Kenya is mourning the loss of two well-known journalists, who passed away within hours of each other, leaving the media community and the public in shock.
The first, Sammy Lui Wang’ondu, a former KBC broadcaster and KTN news anchor, passed away on the morning of Thursday, October 23, 2025, according to his son, Chris Wang’ondu. The exact cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
Sammy Lui was also a renowned State House Master of Ceremonies, whose voice guided national events during the presidencies of Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and partially under Uhuru Kenyatta.
His commanding and soothing voice became instantly recognizable to many Kenyans at official functions and stadium events. Lui was also the father of former Big Brother Kenya housemate Nick Wang’ondu.
The second journalist, whose passing coincided with Sammy Lui’s, has not been publicly named at the time of reporting, but preliminary reports indicate that both deaths were linked to sudden health complications.
Their simultaneous loss has sparked an outpouring of grief across social media and among colleagues in the media industry.
Sammy Lui’s career began at KBC (formerly Voice of Kenya) before moving to KTN, eventually joining the Office of the President as Director of State Events, leaving behind a legacy as one of Kenya’s pioneering journalists.
He also experienced personal challenges, including being among residents affected when government demolitions occurred in Woodley Estate in November of last year.
The passing of these two journalists highlights the fragility of life and serves as a reminder of the impact media personalities have on society.
Tributes continue to pour in as Kenyans honor their contributions to journalism and public service.
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