Veteran broadcaster Festus Amimo, the head of KBC Dholuo’s Mayienga FM, has died suddenly, throwing Kenya’s media fraternity into deep mourning.
His death occurred in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, after he collapsed at home while preparing for work. The station confirmed the loss with a statement that described his passing as “untimely,” leaving his colleagues, listeners, and the broader public in shock.
Initial reports indicate that Amimo collapsed in a Nairobi city‑centre room on Saturday night. His body was transported to the City Mortuary on Sunday dawn, and investigations have now been launched to establish the precise cause of the collapse. An autopsy has been scheduled, according to police and station sources.
Amimo, aged either 45, was more than just a radio presenter, he was a fixture in the Luo‑language broadcasting sphere, a mentor to many, and a leader within Kenya’s vernacular media community.
He joined KBC in 2004, initially serving as a presenter in the Luo Sub‑Service in Kisumu. Over the years, his voice and professionalism earned him widespread recognition.
When Mayienga FM was launched to cater specifically to the Luo‑speaking audience, Amimo became its head, a role in which he excelled until his untimely death.
As the anchor of Mayienga FM’s morning show, known for its incisive interviews and empathetic engagement with issues affecting the Luo community, Amimo’s rich baritone and calm demeanor made him a trusted voice across Western Kenya and beyond.
Beyond his role at KBC, Amimo was the chairperson of the Luo Journalists Association. In that capacity, he played a major role in mentoring young reporters, advocating for professional standards in vernacular journalism, and promoting the preservation of Luo culture through media.
Colleagues described him as a principled editor who insisted that radio must reflect “the realities, challenges and aspirations” of the communities it served.
The passing of Festus Amimo has triggered a wave of tributes from leaders, colleagues, and listeners alike. Within hours of the announcement, messages poured in from high‑ranking government officials, media peers, and community leaders praising his integrity, humility, and dedication to his craft.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo described him as “a warm soul, a steady presence and a true friend whose kindness and humility touched everyone around him.”
He lauded Amimo’s leadership at Mayienga FM and as chair of the Luo Journalists Association, noting the role he played in shaping many young storytellers and strengthening journalistic professionalism.
Management at KBC also paid glowing tribute. The station’s Managing Director, Agnes Kalekye, described Amimo as not only a leader but “a gentleman, a star and a friend to our listeners and team,” adding that his warmth, dedication, and unwavering spirit had “touched countless lives and shaped the very heart of our station.”
Among local politicians and public figures, James Orengo, governor of Siaya County, and several others also mourned the broadcaster — many recalling memorable on‑air interactions, his dedication to giving a voice to the marginalized, and his calm, respectful approach to journalism.
Emotional tributes filled social media, with listeners sharing how Amimo’s shows had shaped their mornings, raised awareness on community matters, and given hope to many through advocacy and support. Some credited him for using his platform to mobilize resources for needy members of his community, a testimony to his commitment beyond mere broadcasting.
Colleagues further praised his mentorship. Many younger journalists who passed under his guidance now hold him responsible for their grounding in ethical journalism, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to community‑centered reporting. The loss is therefore deeply personal as well as professional.
But alongside grief, there is also concern. The abruptness of his collapse has prompted calls for a thorough investigation into what caused such a sudden death. Authorities are appealing to media practitioners and the public to allow due process, as police collect information and await autopsy results.
For the staff at Mayienga FM and the Luo Journalists Association, his absence leaves a vacuum, a void not only of leadership, but of voice for a large community that looked up to him for representation, reliable information, and cultural affirmation.
As tributes continue to flow, one thing is clear: Festus Amimo’s legacy goes beyond radio waves. He embodied a style of journalism rooted in community service, mentorship, cultural pride, and professionalism.
His sudden departure is more than a personal tragedy, it marks the loss of a pillar of vernacular media, a champion for Luo voices, and a mentor to a generation of journalists.
In the hours and days ahead, Kenyans and especially listeners of Mayienga FM will be watching closely as investigations unfold. But irrespective of cause, the memory and impact of Festus Amimo will endure, in every broadcast he made, in every journalist he mentored, and in every listener he reached. May his voice, powerful, calming, committed, continue to echo in the hearts of many.
