A somber mood engulfed KBC Broadcasting House in Nairobi on September 21, 2026, as colleagues of Edmond Salasya gathered for a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to the veteran Radio Taifa presenter. Salasya, who anchored the popular drive show Tafrija za Kutwa on KBC Radio Taifa, died on September 10, 2026, following a sudden lung collapse. His death sent shockwaves through Kenya's media industry.
The memorial drew an outpouring of grief from the Kenyan media fraternity, with many describing his loss as devastating. KBC Managing Director Agnes Kalekye honoured Salasya in an internal memo, describing him as a dedicated and dependable professional whose contribution to the station was immeasurable. His body was transferred to Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home in Nairobi as his family worked on finalising burial arrangements.
At the memorial, colleagues lit candles in his honour, with KBC Radio Taifa sharing images of the solemn gathering on Facebook alongside the caption: "Candle lighting in honor of our brother Edmond. Rest in peace champion." Former colleague Bonnie Musambi, who shared Salasya's deep love for Rhumba music and fondly referred to him as "Manze Osuofia," pledged to help ensure the broadcaster received a befitting send-off.
Tributes poured in online, with fans and former colleagues pouring in their condolences. Kimeli Arap Yego wrote: "I was at some point a producer to Edmond. Edmond is the Man behind the name Arap Yego. RIP King forever in our hearts." Vinc Greens said: "I have never recovered; he made the perfect duo in TAFRIJA."
The outpouring of condolences continued, with Justus Levu adding: "Poleni Sana kwa familia ya Edmonds na Wana KBC. Yauma sana lakini Mungu hafanyi makosa." Floriner Joseph wrote: "It is well, Caro Mramba and the entire KBC fraternity...May God comfort you all." Maurice Munyaoh commented: "Pole sana, KBC fraternity, for a big loss. Mungu awapa faraja wakati huu wa majonzi."
Rhonic Akhwale noted: "KBC family, poleni sana, mmepoteza pakubwa...a colleague is more or less like a close family member." Salasya leaves behind a legacy built over years of dedicated service to Swahili broadcasting in Kenya, and those who worked alongside him say his voice and passion for radio will not easily be forgotten.
Sports journalist Stephen Mukangai first broke the news on Facebook, triggering an immediate and widespread outpouring of condolences from fans, fellow journalists, and media personalities across the country. Salasya had broadcast live on air the night before his death, between 8:00 PM and midnight with no indication that anything was wrong.
Key points
- Edmond Salasya, a veteran broadcast journalist, died on September 10, 2026, following a sudden lung collapse.
- A candlelight vigil was held at KBC Broadcasting House in Nairobi to pay tribute to Salasya.
- Colleagues and fans poured in condolences online, describing Salasya as a dedicated and dependable professional.
