The family of Veteran KBC journalist, Fred Nyongesa Ongalo, is in mourning following his death on Sunday, June 11. He died while undergoing treatment at a Bungoma hospital.
Ongalo, a retired journalist, worked for the national radio station for 31 years since he joined the station in the 1970s.
Otuma Ongalo, a family member and former editor the Standard Newspaper, revealed that Nyongesa’s death was a great loss to the family.
Otuma further praised him for revitalising sports journalism at the then-VOK and later KBC.
His nephew Anthony Nyongesa echoed Otuma’s sentiments, adding that Nyongesa had been unwell and was undergoing medication.
“It is a big blow to our family and society. Media too has lost one of its illustrious icons,” noted his nephew Anthony Nyongesa, a senior communication officer at NTSA on his social media page.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka was among the leaders in the county who eulogised the late Nyongesa as a renowned journalist who inspired many through his radio programs.
“Saddened to learn of the demise of Fred Nyongesa Ongalo, a renowned journalist who worked for KBC Radio for 31 years,” announced the Bungoma Governor.
Lusaka added the late Nyongesa will be remembered for his popular program 'Viumbe Vyenye Uhai' beloved by listeners.
The governor described the late journalist as a neighbour and personal friend who promoted tournaments for youths in Kamukuywa and Bungoma at large.
“The late Ongalo was not only a neighbour and personal friend but also a believer of empowerment and promoted my tournaments which I used to sponsor during my days as District Officer (DO),” Lusaka explained.
Several media personalities and former colleagues sent their heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Nyongesa.
"He was a warm and a kind colleague. He loved sports and was easy to work with," pointed out William Ogonda who worked with KBC's English Service.
According to the ODM director of communications Philip Etale, the late Nyongesa inspired him when he entered KBC newsroom.
"He was a likeable editor. Very friendly and always jovial," stated Etale.
On the other hand, Citizen radio/TV reporter Collins Shitiabai expressed his shock on learning about Nyongesa’s death.
“I’m personally pained by the shocking news. I’m here today shining because of Fred Nyongesa. He nurtured a number of journalists during those day,” narrated Citizen TV’s North Rift reporter Collins Shitiabai.
Supreme Court Judge, Isaac Lenaola was among other Kenyan Leaders who mourned the late veteran journalist.
"Sorry to the family of the broadcaster, We will fondly remember him," started Justice Isaac Lenaola.
Nyongesa who was an accomplished name on both the radio and television sports joined VoK in late 70s and was on the translation desk before moving to news and later settled on the sports desk where he built a niche for himself.
He took an early retirement from KBC more than 15 years ago to concentrate on farming at his Kamukuywa farm in Tongaren sub county, Bungoma.
Burial arrangements are underway although the family is yet to settle on a specific burial day.
