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• Tuko News
• Thu Apr 17 2025

Science journalist Ben Ochieng Ogodo has passed away, leaving Kenya?s media fraternity in mourning

Ogodo fell ill with what seemed like a mild flu but suffered a sudden chest complication early Thursday morning

He was a pioneer in science journalism in Africa, known for his storytelling, mentorship, and international contributions

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TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

Kenya?s journalism community is mourning the loss of one of its finest minds, Ben Ochieng Ogodo, a renowned science journalist and editor, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, April 17.

Science journalist Ben Ochieng Ogodo is dead. Photo: AATF Africa.

Source: Twitter

According to a statement from his family, Ogodo had been feeling slightly unwell in recent days, attributing the symptoms to a mild flu.

However, those close to him said he was in high spirits on Wednesday evening, actively engaging with friends online as he followed the UEFA Champions League quarter final match between Arsenal and Real Madrid.

However, at around 2:00 am, while resting at his Nairobi home, Ogodo experienced sudden and severe chest pains. He quickly alerted his children, who wasted no time in calling a cab and rushing him to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.

Despite their quick action, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the facility?s emergency unit.

Tributes pour in for Ochieng' Ogodo

Tributes have since poured in from colleagues, friends, and institutions in the media industry.

In a heartfelt message, Kenya Editors? Guild (KEG) President Zubeida Kananu expressed deep sorrow at Ogodo?s passing.

?We at the Kenya Editors Guild are deeply saddened by the passing of Ochieng? Ogodo, a long-standing member of our community and one of Kenya?s most accomplished science journalists and editors,? said Kananu.

She praised his passion for simplifying complex subjects, especially in science, the environment, and development, so they could be understood by everyday audiences.

?As the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Coordinator and Editor at SciDev.Net for over 12 years, Ogodo played a central role in shaping science journalism across the continent,? she added.

His work reached global platforms including National Geographic, Nature Medicine, The Guardian (UK), the British Medical Journal, and locally through The Standard Media Group.

His legacy extends beyond writing?he was the founding chairperson of the Kenya Environment and Science Journalists Association (KENSJA) and served for 15 years on the Executive Board of the World Federation of Science Journalists.

In 2008, he was honored with the Reuters-IUCN Media Award for Excellence in Environmental Reporting.

Colleagues remembered Ogodo not only for his incisive journalism and editorial prowess but also for his generous spirit.

?He mentored countless young journalists and was always willing to support others quietly but consistently,? KEG noted in its statement.

Ogodo graduated with a Master?s degree in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Nairobi.

Ogodo?s death follows a string of painful losses in Kenya?s media fraternity.

Ochieng Ogodo developed chest complications moments after happily watching Real Madrid vs Arsenal game. Photo: KEG (X).

Source: Twitter

List of Kenyan journalists who have died in recent weeks

Kenya?s media fraternity has been plunged into mourning following a string of tragic losses involving respected journalists and media professionals in recent weeks.

The sad series of events began with the death of Fredrick Parsayo, a reporter with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), who died under unclear circumstances on Friday, March 2, at his home in Kinoo, Kiambu County.

Just two days later, on Sunday, March 23, former KTN anchor and CGTN journalist Nick Mudimba tragically passed away. Mudimba reportedly collapsed at his Syokimau home while with his family.

On April 6, another blow hit KBC when Moses Dennis, an audio music producer with the national broadcaster, died following a short illness. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Tragedy struck again on Wednesday, April 9, when Silas Apollo, a former journalist with NTV, was hit by a speeding motorcycle while crossing Kiambu Road. He sustained serious injuries and was first taken to St. Teresa?s Hospital before being transferred to Kiambu Level 6 Hospital, where he later died.

Source: TUKO.co.ke