Former journalist Abdilqadir Hubess passed away on Jamuhuri Day, Tuesday, December 12.
The journalist was among the pioneers who worked for the Voice of Kenya (VOK), which was later rebranded to Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
He was also among the first media personalities in the industry. Hubess served alongside veteran journalists like Catherine Kasavuli and Leornard Mambo Mbotela at KBC.
However, his cause of death was not immediately revealed, with KBC only eulogising the veteran journalist as one of the best to grace the industry.
His death caught his fans by surprise, with many acknowledging his contribution to the media. They also sent condolence messages to his family and friends.
A section of Kenyans noted that the presenters who graced the airwaves in the mid and late 90s were growing old, with some passing on due to age or health complications.
Hubess is among the veteran journalists who passed on in 2023, including renowned Sean Cardovillis (Capital FM), Dennis Khaemba (K24), Elizabeth Merab (Nation Media Group), and Aleem Manji (East FM), among others.
Additionally, the national broadcaster has lost several journalists, including renowned Catherine Kasavuli, who died in December 2022 after a long battle with cancer.
Others included Laban Karani, Fred Nyongesa,m Geoffrey Mwavizo, Badi Muhsin, Khamisi Themor, and Betty Mutekhele among others.
Meanwhile, a Pakistani journalist was also reported dead in Kenya. He was allegedly shot dead while in his car on October 22.
His death has resulted in questions from the global community, with his family and human rights activists demanding justice and for those involved to be arrested.
The Media Council of Kenya has called for a prompt investigation into the matter. However, a year later no arrests have been made.
