Nowadays some individuals see their death coming, others are just caught by surprise. Even in anticipated deaths, it is hard saying goodbye to any loved one, let alone celebrities who died under unusual circumstances.
Here are some of the celebrities that died strangely;
Joseph Nkaissery- the Interior Cabinet Secretary until his death, the retired military officer looked energetic and jolly in his last public function moments before he passed on July 8, 2017 at Karen Hospital where he had gone for a checkup after attending a prayer rally at Uhuru Park, Nairobi.
Close family sources say he complained of chest pains and collapsed at his home in Karen, and was later pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Janet Ikua Kanini -the media personality lost her battle with lung cancer on April 1, 2017 at a time she seemed to have been healed. The mother of two had battled the disease for two years and at some point underwent treatment in India.
Until her death, the 38-year old NTV presenter had been the face of hope, bravery and optimism in the fight against cancer.
Her courage and strength was reinforced when doctors gave her a clean bill of health in February 2016.
She was happy to be one of the cancer victors, sadly, she wasn’t to be one.
Ayieya Poa Poa – The Kenyan comedy scene had earlier on been badly hit during Easter with the sudden demise of gifted 31-year-old comedian Emmanuel Makori aka Ayieya Poa Poa.
The young and promising entertainer met his death in a grisly road accident near the Catholic University of Eastern Africa while travelling with his wife, actor Maina Olwenya and a colleague Paul Wakimani Ogutu.
Makori made his name for his rib-cracking comedy set-ups on the Churchill Show and was popular for his signature greeting – “Ayieya, Poa Poa.”
Chris Msando
Unlike Nkaissery, the death of IEBC’s ICT manager not only shocked the nation but also divided Kenyans along political lines.
The late Msando had deep scratches and cuts on his back and hands, the chief government pathologist said.
His near-naked body was discovered in a thicket in the outskirts of Nairobi, alongside that of a woman friend, on July 31, 2017, just days after he had been reported missing.
Coming days just a week to the general election, Msando’s death was immediately linked to his powerful position at the IEBC, with the opposition Nasa reading mischief and accusing the government of having a hand in the brutal murder.
His death remains unsolved and the culprits yet to be brought to book.
Mike Okombe – The sporting fraternity wasn’t spared shocking deaths, the most notable one being the demise of rugby player a 27-year-old, Mike Okombe, who was reportedly stabbed to death by his girlfriend on November 4, 2017.
He is said to have been murdered by his 37-year old lover, one Maryanne Mumbi Olive, while attending a friend’s birthday party.
The suspect has since been arraigned in court but is out on bail.
“Kindly keep the family and the entire Nakuru rugby fraternity in your prayers during these trying times,” Topfry Nakuru RFC wrote.
Big Kev– The month of July threw the entertainment industry into mourning following the death of celebrated event’s organizers Kevin Ombajo well known as Big Kev
Until his death, Big Kev, the CEO and founder of Trublaq and former Capital FM employee, had been battling a brain tumour that blinded him in late 2016.
Big Kev first revealed he had a brain tumour in 2010 and between that time and his death he underwent over 10 brain surgeries.
His death broke the heart of the nation, leaving not only the Kenyan secular love song singer Kidum and many prominent people but also the President Uhuru Kenyatta in tears.
“Saddened by @BigKevkenyas’s passing on. Against all odds, you prevailed again and again. You inspired a generation. RIP.”
Maureen Wanza– In late September, Kenyans woke up to the news of the demise of popular Kenyan actress Maureen Wanza.
She played the role as Sasha in the Swahili program Sumu, and also cast in Almasi including several operas that have aired on Kenyan TV.
Wanza died at a Kilifi hospital while giving birth; her baby also died in the process. All this during the nurses’ strike that lasted 100 days.
“She bled to death. Unfortunately, her baby also died minutes later,” said Ashiners Films, CEO Ann Hamburg
Wanza was nominated for the 2015 Kalasha awards for best lead actress in TV drama for her roles as Laiki on Cheche and Sasha in the series Sumu.
Many mourned the actress as a great talent gone too soon.
