The Star Journalist Dickens Wasonga passed away in an accident on Friday, at the Mamboleo flyover situated along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway.
Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o announced Wasonga's demise in a condolence message to the family of the deceased.
"I have learned with deep shock and sorrow about the demise of a long-serving journalist and chairman of Kisumu Journalist Network - Mr Dickens Wasonga," Governor Nyong'o announced.
"Mr Wasonga’s death in a ghastly road crash in Mamboleo this morning is devastating and a big blow to the Media fraternity in Kenya."
The journalist's untimely death comes two months after he was elected as the Chairman of the Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) in November 2023.
He garnered 47 votes beating his closest contender Rushdie Oudia who accrued 24 votes.
While mourning the journalist through his Facebook page, the Governor described him as a versatile professional known for writing great investigative, balanced and informative stories.
According to Governor Nyong'o, Wasonga’s death comes barely four months after Kisumu lost a photojournalist, Tony Omondi.
"On behalf of the County Government of Kisumu, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Mr Wasonga and the media fraternity in Kenya. May his soul rest in eternal peace," the Kisumu Governor remarked.
Dickens Wasonga was similarly mourned by the Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) and Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga.
In a statement, KJN stated it was deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Wasonga, describing him as a practitioner who demonstrated exceptional integrity and professionalism in his work.
"Heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and the entire journalism fraternity mourning the loss of Dickens,” KJN stated.
The deceased's body was ferried to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
While mourning Wasonga, Paul Ilado, Head of Content at Radio Africa Group, termed the deceased as a journalist dedicated to uncovering the truth and that his unwavering pursuit of journalistic integrity set him apart as a respected and admired journalist.
"It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we mourn the untimely passing of our colleague, Dickens Wesonga who was based in Kisumu," Ilado noted.
"He possessed an unwavering passion for his craft and consistently demonstrated his professionalism in his coverage of news especially politics earning him the respect and admiration of his peers and the wider community."
According to Radio Africa's Head of Content, the journalist will be remembered as a remarkable journalist whose legacy will continue to inspire and guide people to uphold the principles and values he held.
"His infectious enthusiasm and genuine kindness touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him," he added.
