- Sammy Lui, a veteran broadcaster and former State House MC, died on Thursday, October 23, in Nakuru
- In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, a close source confirmed the news of Lui’s passing
- The source revealed that Lui had relocated to Subukia, Nakuru county after leaving Nairobi sometime back
Nakuru: Sammy Lui Wangondu, a legendary voice in Kenyan broadcasting and longtime State House master of ceremonies, died on Thursday, October 23.
Source: Facebook
For many people who grew up listening to him and his powerful voice at national events and on the radio across the country, this marks an end of an era.
Chris Wangondu, his son, revealed in a message to the media that his father died peacefully in the morning
Where did Sammy Lui spend his last days?
According to a close source in an interview with TUKO.co.ke, Lui had moved to Subukia, Nakuru county after leaving Nairobi.
The veteran broadcaster faced personal challenges after his house in Woodley Estate in Nairobi was demolished in 2024, forcing him to move back to Subukia.
He spent his last days in Nakuru.
He pioneered the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) English Service, and people celebrated Lui for his distinct voice, eloquence, and impeccable command of English.
He was among the founding anchors at Kenya Television Network (KTN), helping shape Kenya’s media landscape during its formative years
Lui worked in the studio and was also the director of presidential events for Kenya’s second president, Daniel arap Moi. He was a regular at state events.
As State House MC, he presided over many national holidays, parades, and official events, which earned him respect from people of all political stripes.
Kenyans mourn Sammy Lui
Here is what they had to say:
Sam Hervey:
“He was the voice behind President Kibaki’e Presidential media Unit.Gob Sakaja attempted to make him homeless at one point….May his soul Rest in eternal peace.”
Eliza Munyaga:
“Ooh …He had the best voice,, growing up he was the best when it came to mceeing in public holidays.May his soul RIP.”
Bonventure Mutwirii Bonnie:
“Sauti tamu siku za national holidays …he was blessed …may he rest in peace.”
Alex Kimuri
“God’s grace and blessings be upon your family at this time,and always,rest in peace in Jesus Christ’s might name”
.Mwendwa Stephens:
“For 2025,wametosha hao Mungu.Please let us finish the year without tears God.Somebody like this comment and God will listen to Kenya.”
Humphree Chunguli
“So when county government demolished his house at such age you still expected him to live long.”
Did Ezekiel Mutua celebrate Lui?
In 2020, MCSK CEO Ezekiel Mutua had celebrated Lui in a touching post.
Source: Facebook
He had written:
“Today I celebrate Mr. Sammy Lui, a legend, a former civil servant who served with distinction as the Director of State events. Sammy’s commanding voice, his orderly flow of words, mastery of English and unrivalled skills in protocols and event management skills made State events a beauty. He remains the best person to hold that post and though now retired, he’s occasionally fished out from retirement to help in various ceremonies. I learned so much from this legend during our tour of duty in former President Kibaki’s administration when I served as Director of Information and Public Communications. May God keep you strong sir and give you a long life to continue to share your wisdom with the young generations.”
Raila Odinga dies
In other news, TUKO.co.ke reported of former prime minister Raila Odinga’s death.
The politician died while receiving treatment in India, and his daughter Winnie Odinga and sister Ruth had accompanied him.
He was laid to rest in his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya county.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
