George Magoha, Other High Profile Kenyans Who Died In 2023

• Some eminent Kenyans who created their respective legacies in their areas of speciality were unlucky to see it through 2023
• Former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha died in the year's very first month; he succumbed to heart-related complications in January
• The Kenyan music industry was also robbed of some big names; legendary Mombasa artiste and gospel singer Ilagosa Wa Illagosa

Eli Odaga, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Typical of any other year, 2023 has been eventful in all the aspects that define the existence of humanity.

There have been -among other imperatives- successes, failures, losses, newborns, and at worst, deaths.

Whilst it is rational to be biased toward wins and positives only, especially this Christmas season, it is inescapable to remember some of the imminent Kenyans who would not see the year to the end.

The goners in their lifetime outdid themselves in their areas of speciality; thus, TUKO.co.ke remembers some of them here.

1. Professor George Magoha

The prolific scholar breathed his last on January 24, 2023.

His demise came months after he had exited former president Uhuru Kenyatta's Cabinet, where he served as the Minister for Education.

He succumbed to heart-related complications at the Nairobi Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment.

According to an official communication from the facility, Magoha collapsed at his home earlier on the fateful day before being rushed there for treatment.

"It is with great regret that we announce the sudden and untimely demise of Professor George Magoha, EBS, OGW this evening at The Nairobi Hospital.

Professor Magoha collapsed at home and was rushed to Nairobi Hospital A and E. Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. Kindly join me in condoling with his family and colleagues," read an official communique from The Nairobi Hospital.

In his lifetime, the late Magoha served in different capacities in the larger education sector, the pinnacle of it all being his role as the Cabinet secretary.

He was a lecturer, having a stint at the University of Nairobi as its Vice Chancellor, before taking over the reins at the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC), and later ended in the Cabinet.

Magoha was laid to rest at his Umiru home in Siaya county later in February.

He is survived by his widow Barbara, another scholar, and loner son Michael, a doctor of medicine.

2. Illagosa

The gospel singer died in February this year.

This was after a long battle with Kidney failure, as confirmed by fellow singer and friend Tumaini.

"He has been sick since last year December as he had lots of headaches then we came to discover that one kidney of his had failed."

The bereaved family did not have the financial muscle to carry out a kidney transplant to save their kin.

At first, they thought that one kidney would sustain him, as at the time, only one had failed.

The other kidney failed him, and he was left hospitalised.

Without funds, there wasn't much they could do, so they held fundraising, which did not yield much.

There had been claims that Illagosa might have been poisoned; it was not confirmed after all.

He had had many gospel hits to his name, Sala Zangu being his flagship single.

3. Joseph Kubende

A famed political mobiliser and orator from Bungoma county, Kubende died in March under mysterious circumstances days after celebrating his birthday.

Justo Misiko, a close friend of the deceased, confirmed the sad news after consultation with the family members.

Kubende died at Radiant Hospital

In his statement, Misiko said he witnessed Kubende breathe his last at Radiant Hospital in Pangani, Nairobi.

"Friends, after consultation with family, this is to confirm to you that I have indeed lost a very close friend and brother. I have witnessed Joseph Kubende breathe his last. We are at Radiant Hospital in Pangani. We plan to move his remains to Kenyatta University Funeral Home. It's unbelievable, Rest in Peace ndugu," Misiko said on Thursday, March 23.

TUKO.co.ke confirmed at the time that Kubende fell from an apartment in Roysambu before he was rushed to Radiant Hospital, where he succumbed to severe injuries.

The deceased, who had resided in the United States of America for a time, was hailed for his mastery of the tongue and political spinning skill in gatherings.

He was laid to rest at his native home in Bungoma on April 1.

4. Mukami Kimathi

She was the wife of the late veteran Mau Mau freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi.

Mama Mukami breathed her last on May 5 at The Nairobi Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment.

Leaders from across the political divide came out to mourn the one-time freedom fighter.

"We live to celebrate her indelible legacy and that of other freedom fighters who shed blood for the freedom we enjoy today. Mukami was a symbol of defiance, mother of the struggle for independence. We are greatly indebted to her valour and grit. She remains an inspiring figure to those of us in leadership," said Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

"A brave soul who fought for justice and freedom. Her legacy will forever inspire us to pursue a better tomorrow. Rest in Eternal Peace, Mukami," wrote Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga.

Mama Mukami was laid to rest at her rural home in Nyandarua on May 13 in a state-organised ceremony that brought together political nemeses like President William Ruto and the Opposition leader.

5. Ally B

Born Ali Mwakaribu, the renowned Kenyan musician, Ally B, died on November 1.

The news of his demise left fans and the Kenyan music industry in shock.

News sources indicated that Ally B died while being ferried to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The artiste had earlier been diagnosed with pneumonia and had only been discharged a few days prior.

Tragically, complications arose, and while en route to the hospital, Ally B passed away.

"Ally B is dead. The person who was with him last week said he had been diagnosed with pneumonia. He developed complications today. It seems his pressure went up, and as he was being rushed to the hospital, he passed on," a source confided in TUKO.co.ke.

The singer was mourned by the high and mighty, including President William Ruto, who hailed him for "harnessing his talent to foster unity and harmony in our society."

The president eulogised the deceased as an astute musician who inscribed his message of peace deep within Kenyans' hearts.

Ruto donated KSh 500,000 toward Ally B's burial.

The singer would be remembered for hits like Bembea, Maria, Kadzo and others.

6. Lawrence Sifuna

The former Bungoma South lawmaker, Lawrence Sifuna, died on December 2 after suffering a stroke.

"Hon. Lawrence Sifuna, former MP Kanduyi and Bumula Constituencies left us whilst receiving treatment at an Eldoret Hospital following a stroke he suffered a few days ago. As a Family, we are grateful for all the messages of love that we continue to receive. May God Bless you all," Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna is also the deceaded's nephew said.

In his condolence message, the ODM party leader, Raila Odinga, described the former MP as a defender of people's rights.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Hon. Lawrence Simiyu Sifuna, a former MP, key figure in the second liberation, defender of the people, and a life member of ODM. My condolences to the Sifuna family, Party SG Edwin Sifuna, the people of Kanduyi, and the entire nation. May He RIP," Raila said.

Born in 1946, Lawrence was first elected into parliament in 1979 to represent the larger Bungoma South constituency before it was split.

He later represented Bumula and Kanduyi before quitting in 1997.

In his political heydays, the goners aligned with other leftist lawmakers who often challenged the late Daniel Moi's regime.

Their stance at the time was that the policies formulated by the government were exploiting the citizenry thus their spirited constant objection against Moi.

To fight along the deceased were Koigi wa Wamwere, James Orengo, Abuya Abuya, Chibule wa Tsuma, Onyango Midika, Mwashengu wa Mwachofi and Philomena Chelangat Mutai.

Christened bearded sisters, the aforementioned are hailed for championing Kenya's second liberation.