• He was driving alone when he rammed into a trailer along the Kisumu-Kakamega road, near the Mamboleo flyover.

Dickens Wasonga, a journalist with Radio Africa Group's Star newspaper, succumbed to a  road accident on Friday, January 26, 2024. He was driving alone when he rammed into a trailer along the Kisumu-Kakamega road near the Mamboleo flyover.

Wasonga, also the Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) chairman, died on the spot. His body was taken to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) mourned Wasonga as a fearless leader and a prolific writer who commanded respect among his peers.

In a statement, KUJ Secretary General Erick Oduor said that Wasonga had a vision for KJN and was ready to partner with other leaders and organizations to improve the working environment of KJN members.

“The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) mourns Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) chairman Dickens Wasonga," Erick Oduor said.

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Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o also sent his condolences to the family and friends of Wasonga, describing him as a versatile and professional journalist who wrote great investigative, balanced and informative stories.

He said that Wasonga's death was a big blow to the media fraternity in Kenya, especially after the loss of photojournalist Tony Omondi four months ago.

Wasonga's death comes barely three months after he was elected to lead KJN in November 2023. He had been working as a journalist for over 15 years, covering various beats, including politics, health, education, and business.

His colleagues and fans took to social media to pay tribute to him, remembering him as a mentor, a friend, and a role model.

Some of his stories that made headlines include the exposé on the corruption scandal at the Kisumu County Assembly, the investigation on the illegal fishing activities in Lake Victoria, and the feature on the plight of the street children in Kisumu.

Wasonga was married and had two children before he passed away. His funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.