Veteran radio presenter Festus Amimo, Head of Radio Mayienga at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), has passed away, Mayienga FM confirmed in a statement on Sunday, December 7.
Amimo, celebrated for his commanding voice and engaging broadcasting style, died suddenly just hours after sharing a social media tribute to a friend. He was the host of the popular Mayienga FM morning show, Gari Mokinyi.
Mayienga FM described his passing as “shocking” and remembered him as a devoted professional with an unmatched passion for radio. In a statement, the station said:
“It is with profound shock, deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of our head of station, Festus Amimo.”
Friends, family, and colleagues flooded social media with tributes, mourning the loss of the veteran broadcaster. Interior PS Raymond Omollo expressed his condolences, calling the death both “painful and unexpected” and describing Amimo as “a warm soul, a steady presence and a true friend whose kindness and humility touched everyone around him.”
Other radio stations, particularly those broadcasting in Dholuo, also paid tribute. Radio Namlolwe wrote:
“Officials and journalists at Radio Namlolwe extend their most profound condolences concerning the sudden passing of Mayienga FM head of radio, Festus Amimo.”
Just days before his death, on Friday, December 5, Amimo posted a heartfelt message mourning the passing of a close friend, Rose Yier, writing: “We have this evening lost a friend. RIP.”
Beyond his work at KBC, Amimo served as Chair of the Luo Journalists Association, where he mentored young journalists and influenced the next generation of media professionals. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
