The year 2025 will be remembered as one in which Kenya lost a number of famous individuals across various fields. From the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to celebrated gospel musician Betty Bayo, the nation truly felt the pain of losing some of its favourites.
Their deaths reminded Kenyans that they are one people and that, in times of sorrow, they come together to stand with the families of the departed, regardless of their origin or status.
In this article, Times Digital Kenya honours eight famous Kenyans who passed away in 2025, highlighting how their deaths were received by Kenyans.
Raila Odinga
The late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, passed away on October 15, 2025, after he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest while receiving treatment in India.
His death shook the nation, with Kenyans from all walks of life coming together to mourn him as a prominent figure who shaped Kenya’s politics.
Raila Odinga is remembered not only as Kenya’s longest-serving opposition leader but also as a champion of freedom and the new Constitution in the country. He also served as the Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013.
Betty Bayo
The 11th Hour hitmaker died on November 10, 2025, after battling leukaemia for quite some time.
Betty Bayo’s untimely death brought sorrow to her family members and fans across the country. Her burial ceremony brought together people from different classes, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, fellow gospel musicians, friends and fans from across the country.
She is remembered as one of the top gospel musicians not only from the Kikuyu community but the entire nation.
Cyrus Jirongo
The former Lugari Member of Parliament passed away on December 13, 2025, after being involved in a road accident in Naivasha.
Jirongo’s death turned out to be controversial, as it left many unanswered questions, especially among family members and friends.
He was a prominent businessman and politician who rose to national prominence in the early 1990s. Cyrus Jirongo served as the Member of Parliament for Lugari from 1997 to 2002 and later from 2008 to 2013, as well as a Cabinet minister in Daniel arap Moi’s government.
MC Fullstop
John Maina, popularly known as MC Fullstop, died on August 1, 2025, after a long battle with lung tuberculosis. His death caused grief and pain within the entertainment fraternity.
MC Fullstop was a veteran media personality and a dancehall and reggae hypeman, having worked for over three decades in the industry.
John Maina, who worked for K24 TV as the co-host of the Riddim Up show, was an inspiration to many upcoming MCs and DJs in Kenya.
George Oduor, Raila Odinga’s Aide
George Oduor, a long-serving bodyguard to Raila Odinga, died on April 2, 2025, after a short illness. His death drew many tributes from Kenyans, especially from the Odinga family.
Oduor was a lifelong and trusted figure in the Odinga family, having served as an aide to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga as early as the 1980s before working for Raila Odinga after his father’s death in 1994.
Kimani Mbugua
Kimani Mbugua, a former journalist at Citizen TV and NTV, died on October 15 at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, after struggling with mental health challenges.
The young journalist had been battling these challenges for quite some time, with former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko sending him for rehabilitation on several occasions, but his life was tragically cut short.
Kimani Mbugua is remembered as one of Kenya’s young journalists, known for his charisma, storytelling, and impressive talent.
Mr Kk Mwenyewe
Zakaria Kariuki, popularly known by his stage name Mr Kk Mwenyewe, passed away in July 2025 after a short illness while receiving treatment at Kiambu Level 4/5 Hospital.
Mr Kk Mwenyewe was well known for his comedy on social media, especially for imitating former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Following his death, fellow comedians and digital content creators, as well as Gachagua himself, mourned him as a talented comedian.
Shalkido
Kevin Mburu Kinyanjui, known by his stage name Shalkido, died on October 6, 2025, after being involved in a motorcycle accident along Thika Road. Following the tragic accident, the 28-year-old was brain-dead due to severe internal bleeding. Shalkido also had a broken leg.
He was declared dead at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
Prior to his death, Shalkido, a Gengetone artist and former member of Sailors Gang, was struggling in life and occasionally found it difficult to support himself, his wife, and child.
He was a well-known singer in the country, having been part of the music group behind songs such as Wamlambez and Queen B Machine, among several others.
