2024 has been a dark year that has seen the country mourn prominent people. Kondele News has sampled the ten prominent people who lost lives since the beginning of the year.

Rita Tinina

On March 17, the journalism community mourned the loss of Rita Tinina, a respected journalist and former output editor at Nation Media Group.

Her lifeless body was discovered on the morning of March 18. According to a post-mortem examination conducted by government pathologist Peter Ndegwa and family pathologist Dr. Michieka at Umash Funeral Services in Nairobi, Rita succumbed to severe pneumonia.

She was the wife of another esteemed journalist, Robert Nagila.

Kelvin Kiptum

The Kenyan athlete who set the world record of 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon tragically passed away alongside his coach on Sunday, February 11.

The shocking news reverberated throughout the athletics world, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the globe. The athlete and his coach were traveling together when they were involved in the tragic accident, both succumbing to their injuries that night.

CDF Francis Ogolla

Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla tragically lost his life when the helicopter he was traveling in, alongside other officials, crashed in Kaben, Marakwet East, on Thursday April 18.

Gen Ogolla had assumed the role of CDF on April 28, 2023. Reports indicate that the helicopter, carrying 12 people, including officers of the rank of General, went down, with witnesses describing it bursting into flames upon impact.

Brian Chira

According to a police report filed at Karuri Traffic Base, Brian Chira fell victim to a hit-and-run accident along the Ndenderu-Ruaka road in the Gacharage area early Saturday morning March 16.

Reports indicate that Chira was returning home after a night out at a popular establishment in Gacharage when the incident occurred. He had reportedly been ejected from the joint by security guards due to a disturbance and subsequently boarded a motorcycle with Zeleck Momanyi.

June Moi

The daughter of former President Daniel Moi passed away on April 11, 2024, at Nairobi Hospital, where she had been rushed for treatment.

Despite the affluence associated with her family, she led a quiet life, with many only becoming aware of her existence after her passing.

Charles Ouda “Charlie”

Charles ‘Charlie’ J. Ouda passed away on the night of February 3, 2024. Mr. Ouda, a celebrated artist who entertained audiences for decades, died under mysterious circumstances. The actor, known for his roles in popular shows such as Makutano Junction, Junction Junior, Second Family, and Salem, appeared to be in good spirits on the last day he was seen alive.

Lizzie Wanyoike

Madam Lizzie Wanyoike, the founder of Nairobi Institute of Business Studies, passed away at the age of 72 on January 14 after battling an illness. Political leaders and Kenyans from all walks of life expressed their sympathies to the family of the departed entrepreneur.

Charles Kipsang

The long-distance runner collapsed and passed away after completing the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope in Buea, in the South West region of Cameroon. Kipsang, aged 33, had covered 39 kilometers of the mountain race, leading for a significant portion before slowing down towards the end.

After finishing 16th, he developed pains during the race, which tragically led to his collapse and subsequent passing.

Starlet Wahu

Wahu, aged 26, is reported to be the younger sister of a controversial evangelical pastor in the city. Her lifeless body was discovered in an Airbnb located in South B, Nairobi. Wahu and the suspected murderer were observed entering the Airbnb on the night of January 3.

A postmortem examination revealed that she had been strangled and had suffered a deep cut wound on her thigh, severing a vein and causing significant blood loss, ultimately leading to her death.

According to eyewitnesses, a guard at the apartment complex where Wahu and her companion had stayed reported seeing the man leave the premises the following day, wearing bloodied clothing.

Choglin Kale

The Kalenjin content creator was among the passengers in a matatu traveling towards Bomet when it veered off its lane and collided with a tractor in a devastating road accident at Silibwet.