×
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
  • Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
  • The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
  • P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
  • Email: [email protected]

Celebrities who passed away in 2020

News
 Kobe Bryant.

When a celebrity dies, fans are heartbroken and mourn the tragic loss. However, death also leads to a celebration of the legacy they left behind. Whether it is entertaining people, making people laugh, inspiring people, or changing the world for the better in some way. These people's actions have affected many lives, often in very significant ways.

This year, we have said goodbye to several public figures, both internationally and here at home. We have lost people from the world of the screen, sport, politics, comedy, music, and more. We have lost people whose deaths triggered a revolution.

George Floyd

American George Floyd's death caused a worldwide uproar after a video of a white policeman kneeling on his neck for almost seven minutes went viral online. He was pronounced dead at the hospital with his death, highlighting racism in America and worldwide. Floyd's death also triggered the #BlackLivesMatter campaign protests across American states and had celebrities and sports teams advocating for an end to racism.

Kobe Bryant

The passing of Kobe Bryant stirred reactions in every part of the globe, with many mourning the loss of a basketball legend. 41-year-old Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26 in Calabasas, California, alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others. The aircraft was en route to his Mamba Academy for basketball practice.

He is survived by his wife, Vanessa Bryant, and their three other daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. Kobe and Gianna were laid to rest in a private service in California. Remarkably, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Lebron James, won the 2020 NBA Championship and dedicated their win to the late Kobe Bryant.

ALSO READ: Five Kenyan celebrities who unleashed real-estate investments in 2020

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman died on August 28 at age 43, following a secret four-year battle with colon cancer.  The Black Panther star's death was announced through a family announcement.

"It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage IV."

The family revealed that Chadwick had been persevering through his cancer treatment while still acting. He featured in movies such as Marshall and Da 5 Bloods, all of which were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.

 Chadwick Boseman.

Diego Maradona

The Argentinian soccer legend died on November 25 at the age of 60. He died after reportedly suffering a heart attack three weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain. Maradona, who is considered the best football player of all time, captained his national team to victory in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. This was also where he scored his infamous 'Hand of God' goal in the quarter-final match against England.

He began his club football at Argentines Juniors before joining Boca Juniors and then heading to Barcelona in 1982. Two years later, he signed with Napoli and scored over 100 goals across seven seasons. In 2008 he became Argentina's manager, steering the side for two years, including in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

ALSO READ: 10 celebrities who have called it quits in their relationships in 2020

Charley Pride

The country superstar died of complications from coronavirus at 86 years in Dallas on December 12. Tributes for the star came from all over, including from music legend Dolly Parton.

Pride had a glittering musical career and received a catalogue of awards over time, including: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year in 1971, top male vocalist in 1971, and again 1972. He received a Lifetime Achievement award in 2020. He had 25 top 10 country hits and made a huge impact on the country's music industry.

 Charley Pride.

Papa Bouba Diop

Senegalese footballer Papa Bouba Diop died on November 29, aged 42, after reportedly being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Diop made 63 appearances for his country, with the highlight of his career coming at the 2002 World Cup in South Kora, where he scored the tournament's first goal as Senegal stunned defending champions France 1-0. He went on to score two more goals in the competition as Senegal reached the quarter-finals.

The midfielder first arrived in English football in 2004 when he joined Fulham from the French side. He joined Portsmouth in 2007 and, after a stint with AEK Athens in Greece, returned to English football by joining West Ham in 2011, helping them get promoted back to the Premier League. Many people in the football industry, including Liverpool and Senegal star Sadio Mane, paid tribute to Diop.

Back Home

Othuol Othuol

Ben Maurice Onyango aka Othuol Othuol passed away on October 11, 2020, while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). The comedian was best known for standing up on Churchill Show and featuring in Tv show Auntie Boss. News about the death of Othuol was revealed by Churchill show founder Daniel 'Churchill' Ndambuki, who confirmed that the comedian died after a long battle with a brain tumor. Many in the local comedy sector paid their tributes to Othuol.

Papa Shirandula

In July this year, the death of beloved actor Charles Bukeko, famously known as Papa Shirandula, took many Kenyans by surprise. He passed away after a short illness while receiving treatment at the Karen Hospital. The award-winning actor, thespian, singer, and director rose to fame when he played Papa Shirandula in the popular TV series Papa Shirandula which aired on Citizen TV. He became a household name in comedy and acting and was mourned by many. In his rural home in Nanderema, Busia County, he was laid to rest on July 20, barely two days after he passed on.

 Papa Shirandula.

Comedian Kasee

This year also saw the death of Churchill show comedian Joseph Musyoki Kivindu popularly known as Kasee. He died in June, and his body was reportedly found by the road leading to his home.  Later on, a postmortem report indicated that the comedian died from being poisoned.

Lady Maureen

The Queen of Ohangla music, Maureen Achieng, aka Lady Maureen, passed away on July 11 after a long illness. She died while recuperating at their home in Uriri, Migori County, weeks after being discharged from the hospital. Lady Maureen had been in and out of the hospital for almost three years. Many of her fans attended her funeral, many donning Gor Mahia jerseys while singing to celebrate her life.

Abenny Jachiga

Ohangla musician Bernard Onyango aka Abenny Jachiga, passed on while undergoing treatment at St Jairus Hospital in Kisumu, where he had been admitted after developing breathing complications. His burial was rocked with lots of controversies after rowdy mourners clashed with authorities who criticized the Covid regulations that did not give them 'enough time' to mourn and that he deserved a decent burial. He was buried later on that night under tight security.

Kasongo wa Kanema

Rhumba Maestro Kasongo wa Kanema passed on at the age of 73 in April this year. Kasongo passed on at his home in Lang'ata, where he was battling with high blood pressure that later led to a stroke.  The legendary musician was a guitarist, singer, and songwriter for the band Super Mazembe for 40 years. He took a break from music back in 2017 and was among the last three surviving band members of Super Mazembe band.

Jimmy Wayuni

Kikuyu Musician Jimmy Wayuni passed away in May following a road accident on the Thika superhighway. He was pronounced dead on arrival at St John's Githurai 45 Hospital. Wayuni was famous for hits such as Airìtu a Ruiru, Anisa, Karenjù, Mama Sululu and Utuire uhenagia.

Related Topics


.

Popular this week

.

Latest Articles