Four months into 2024, Kenya has seen a number of its prominent personalities pass away. 

The death of the renowned personalities caused tremendous grief in the country and left many with heavy hearts. 

In this article, we outline some of the prominent personalities who died in the country as of April 2024:

Francis Ogolla

Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces, died on 18 April 2024 after being involved in a helicopter crash at the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. 

Ogolla died alongside nine other valiant soldiers.

In line with his will, Ogolla was buried 72 hours after his death. He was laid to rest at his home in Siaya County.

Rita Tinina

The NTV Kenya journalist was found dead at her home in Kileleshwa, Nairobi on 17 March 2024. 

Autopsy results indicated that she died from severe pneumonia. 

She was laid to rest on 27 March 2024 at their family home in Noosupeni Farm, Narok County.

She left behind her 8-year-old daughter Mia Malaika.

June Moi

The daughter to the late former Kenyan President Daniel Moi died on 11 April 2024.

June, an adopted daughter in the former first family, was the youngest among the Moi siblings.

While announcing news of her death, the family did not reveal what caused her death.

"At this time of grief, we request for your prayers and privacy as we the family come to terms with the tragic loss of our sister. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” the family said.

She was laid to rest on 18 April 2024 at the family's farm in Nakuru County.

Kelvin Kiptum

The marathon world record holder died on 11 February 2024 after being involved in a road crash. He died alongside his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana. 

According to police reports, Kiptum lost control of the car, veered off the road, and hit a big tree, resulting in their deaths.

He was buried on 23 February 2024 in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Charles Ouda

The veteran actor died on 4 February 2024 at the age of 38.

News of Ouda's death was announced by his fiancée through a statement on social media.

His cause of death was not revealed. He was cremated at the Kariokor Crematorium on 15 February 2024.

Brian Chira

The renowned Tiktoker died on 16 March 224 after reportedly being involved in a hit-and-run accident around Karuri area, Kiambu County. 

His death brought together Tiktokers, content creators, and Kenyans in general who raised millions of shillings for Chira's funeral.

He was laid to rest on 26 March 2024, in Githunguri, Kiambu County.

Lizzie Wanyoike

The renowned educationist and the founder of Nairobi Institute of Business Studies died on 14 January 2024.

She succumbed to cancer. At the time of her death, Lizzie was aged 73.

She was laid to rest on 23 January 2024 in Murang’a County. She left behind three children.

Michael Oyier

The veteran journalist and Public Relations (PR) expert died on 20 April 2024 while receiving treatment at a city hospital.

The late journalist will be buried on 3 May 2024 at their family home in Homa Bay County.

Oyier has left behind eight children. 

Starlet Wahu

The 24-year-old Instagram influencer and sister to Pastor Victor Kanyari was found dead at a short-term rental apartment in South B, Nairobi on 3 January 2024.

An autopsy of her body indicated that she was strangled and had a deep cut wound on her leg in the thigh.

John Matara, the main suspect in Wahu's tragic death was apprehended and charged with her murder.

Other personalities who've succumbed in 2024 include; Charles Kipsang, a marathoner who died at a Cameroon mountain race on 25 February 2024, and Dick Munyonyi, the artist behind the viral '‘Firirinda’ hit who died on 6 January 2024 after a long battle with illness.