Siaya Governor James Orengo on Thursday joined a growing chorus of leaders paying tribute to veteran radio broadcaster Festus Amimo, offering heartfelt condolences to his grieving family following the sudden death of the beloved Mayienga FM boss.
Amimo, a respected voice in Luo vernacular media and head of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s (KBC) Mayienga FM, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Nairobi. His passing has left a profound void within the media community and among listeners who tuned in daily to his popular morning show Gari Mokinyi.
“It is with deep sorrow that I have learned of the passing of Festus Amimo … My heartfelt condolences go to his wife and children, his entire family, colleagues, friends, and all those whose lives he touched,” Governor Orengo said in a statement praising Amimo’s decades-long contribution to broadcasting.
In a poignant display of solidarity, several Luo leaders made a courtesy call to the late broadcaster’s home in Awasi, Kisumu County, where they consoled his wife, Rose Amimo (second name withheld at family request), and other relatives.
Among those who visited was Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who was photographed comforting a visibly heartbroken and heavily pregnant Mrs. Amimo as she wept beside family members. In some images circulating online, other dignitaries, including Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, were seen offering words of encouragement and prayers.
“We expressed our heartfelt condolences to the family of our dear friend and esteemed journalist, Festus Amimo… The loss of Festus is profound; we have not only lost a cherished friend but also a powerful voice that resonated deeply within our hearts,” said one of the leaders during the visit.
Photos shared online reveal Rose Amimo in tears at the family’s rural residence, surrounded by well-wishers and community elders moved by the tragedy. The couple, who married in August 2023, were blessed with three children and were expecting their fourth child at the time of his passing — a detail that has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from Kenyans across the country.
Kenyans took to social media to express their sorrow, remembering Amimo as a humble, hardworking mentor and advocate for Luo culture through vernacular radio. Many hailed his warm personality and transformational leadership at Mayienga FM, where he also played a key role in mentoring young journalists.
Beyond regional leaders, national figures have also paid tribute. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and other senior personalities lauded Amimo’s professionalism and legacy, describing his death as a significant loss to Kenya’s media fraternity.
As formal funeral arrangements continue and investigations into the exact circumstances of his sudden death proceed, Amimo’s family has appealed for privacy and respect during this deeply painful time.
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