A debate over unexplained fatalities in Kenya has resurfaced after Suba North MP Millie Mabona Odhiambo urged authorities to investigate the sudden death of Mayienga FM presenter Festus Amimo.
Her remarks come amid rising public concern over similar incidents reported in various parts of the country this year.
Police said Amimo collapsed inside a room in Nairobi on Saturday night and was confirmed dead shortly afterwards.
His body was taken to the City Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to determine the cause.
Amimo served as the head of Mayienga FM, a Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) station that caters largely to Luo-speaking audiences across Nyanza and neighbouring regions.
In a statement shared online, Odhiambo termed the presenter’s death disturbing and called for comprehensive investigations into what she described as a pattern of sudden deaths.
She referenced previous concerns raised by Dr Akinyi Wenwa, sister to ODM leader Raila Odinga, who had earlier urged medical and investigative agencies to examine such cases more closely.
Odhiambo further questioned whether any of the incidents could be linked to COVID-19 vaccines, noting that only evidence-based inquiries could settle the matter.
Her comments reflect a broader national conversation that often emerges during election cycles or national health crises, when trust in institutions comes under scrutiny.
Kenya has previously witnessed similar debates, including during the 2007–08 post-election period, when calls for independent investigations became central to public confidence in state processes.
Health authorities have, however, maintained that no official data links COVID-19 vaccinations to sudden adult deaths.
Amimo, popularly known in media circles as “Wuod Awasi,” had built a significant following through his work as both presenter and head of station.
Colleagues credited him with mentoring young broadcasters and strengthening community-based journalism at KBC.
His role as chair of the Luo Journalists Association also positioned him as a key figure in regional media development.
Messages of condolence continued on Sunday from leaders and journalists across the country.
Interior PS Raymond Omollo and Siaya Governor James Orengo described him as a committed professional who contributed meaningfully to local broadcasting.
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