Renowned actor Bilal Wanjau dies

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Renowned actor Bilal Wanjau Ibrahim has died while receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital, his family has confirmed.

Wanjau, who had been living with type 2 diabetes, had spent the past week fighting pneumonia while also managing a wound on his leg, the family said.

The family spokesperson said Wanjau was in Machakos on Sunday when he suddenly began experiencing pain in one of his legs, prompting relatives to take him to the hospital the next day.

“We brought him to the hospital on Monday, and they ran tests till Wednesday. The doctors were about to begin treatment before he passed on later in the night,” the spokesperson said.

He had been admitted on Monday, and the family says preparations are underway for his burial tomorrow in Machakos County.

Wanjau's industry friend Sandra Dacha also confirmed his passing in a heartfelt message on social media

"It is with profound sorrow that I announce the untimely passing on of my colleague Bilal Wanjau this early morning due to diabetes complications," Dacha said.

"Bilal was a great, talented actor. We’ve lost one of the best in the industry. The burial date is set for Friday (tomorrow), 5/12/2025, at his rural home in Machakos. Kindly keep the family in your prayers. May God rest his soul in eternal peace."

Bilal Wanjau is a Kenyan actor who doubles up as a director.

He was the son of Ibrahim Bilali, a retired flyweight boxer who won a bronze medal in the flyweight division (– 51 kg) at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.

Wanjau's breakthrough in the film industry came in 2009 when he featured in the popular TV commercial "Utahama Lini."

He has been featured in films like Sumu la Penzi, Tahidi High, Jela 5 Star (Afande Kasoro), Njoro wa Uba, and Hullabaloo Estate, among others.

Most recently, he appeared in the streaming series 4Play (2024–2025), portraying “Michael,” marking his continued relevance in Kenya’s evolving entertainment landscape.

He won Best Performance in a Comedy in Kalasha 2017 for his role in Jela 5 Star.

Bilal is fondly remembered for his sharp wit and standout screen presence. He rose to prominence through his character on Citizen TV’s Tahidi High, where he became a familiar and beloved figure for an entire generation of viewers.

A highly decorated actor and director, he built a diverse career that stretched across film, television, and theater.

His portfolio also included international work, among them an appearance in a Bollywood project.