Veteran Broadcaster Kihara Wa Gathua Is Dead

Veteran vernacular broadcaster Kihara Wa Gathua, popularly known as "Mzee wa Kazi," passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the Kenyatta University Referral Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

Kihara, a celebrated media personality whose career spanned several decades, was revered for his deep baritone voice and captivating storytelling.

Kihara's broadcasting journey began at the Kenya News Agency (KNA), where he honed his skills before joining the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

From 2002 to 2003, he hosted a current affairs program at KBC, which helped him establish a presence in the industry.

Shortly after, he transitioned to Inooro FM, where he built his reputation as a leading reporter and eventually rose through the ranks to become one of the station’s top news anchors.

His work at Inooro FM, particularly alongside Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba, cemented his status as one of the most influential voices in Kikuyu radio.

Kihara worked at Inooro FM from 2003 to 2018, serving in various roles, including head of the news department. He is credited with shaping the reporting standards at the station and nurturing numerous talents over the years.

In 2018, Kihara left Inooro FM to found Iganjo FM, under Soap Media, where he served as the head of the station from 2018 to 2019.

He was instrumental in building the station from the ground up, contributing significantly to the growth of Kikuyu-language media. In 2022, Kihara ventured into politics, running for the parliamentary seat in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County.

Although unsuccessful, he continued to be active in public life until his health began to deteriorate. Hours before his death, he had appealed to Kenyans for assistance in clearing his hospital bill.

Kihara’s death has shocked many in the media industry and his loyal fanbase.

Tributes have poured in, celebrating his contributions to the vernacular radio space and his unmatched legacy as a broadcaster.

His passing comes barely a year after he lost his mother, adding to the family’s grief. He is survived by his widow, Wangui Wa Kihara, and their three children.

As his family and friends mourn his loss, they remember him not only as a broadcasting giant but also as a mentor, a family man, and a beloved figure in Kenyan media.