- Renowned Tahidi High actor Bilal Wanjau died on December 4, sending the acting industry into mourning and celebrating his legacy
- Betty Bayo’s brother also came out to raise accusations against his brother-in-law, as he sent a message to Pastor Kanyari
- TUKO.co.ke featured the top stories of the week, including a TV presenter who died after a long battle with an aggressive form of cancer
This week has seen some celebrities, both locally and internationally, passing, leading outpouring messages of condolences on social media.
Source: UGC
In Kenya, Tahidi High actor Bilal Wanjau, who had been battling diabetes, breathed his last on December 4 and was buried the following day.
TUKO.co.ke featured the top stories of the week involving renowned personalities that trended and left netizens talking.
1. What led to Raquel Escalante’s death?
Popular TV presenter and former beauty queen Raquel Escalante passed away after a year-long battle with an aggressive form of cancer.
Her death was linked to complications from a surgery she had undergone to remove cancerous cells. Following the announcement, fans and followers filled her TikTok and Instagram pages with heartfelt condolences.
Raquel, who held the title of Miss Intercontinental Guatemala 2021, reportedly succumbed to kidney failure, according to The US Sun.
She had been awaiting a kidney transplant at the time of her death. In the months leading up to her passing, she had made a public appeal for financial assistance to help fund the expensive procedure.
Source: Facebook
2. Which Tahidi High actor died?
Renowned actor Bilal Wanjau, best known for his roles in Tahidi High and Lies That Bind, passed away on December 4.
Actress Sandra Dacha, who had supported him on his weight-loss journey, confirmed his death and shared a video highlighting their close friendship.
She also noted that his burial would take place on December 5, as Kenyans continued to offer tributes and condolences online.
Bilal’s death came as a shock to many who enjoyed his skits and on-screen talent, and they remembered memories of him that stood out.
Source: Instagram
3. Was Betty Bayo’s family informed of her illness?
Edward Mbugua, brother to the late gospel singer Betty Bayo, claimed during a TikTok live session that he, their siblings, and their mother were unaware of how seriously her health had declined in her final days.
He reflected on their close bond, noting that Betty usually contacted him whenever she felt unwell, even over minor concerns.
He raised concerns about why Betty’s husband did not alert the family concerning the singer’s serious health challenge that led to her death.
His remarks sparked fresh debate online, with social media users offering mixed reactions to his accusations.
Source: Facebook
4. Was Bayo officially married to Tash?
Bayo’s brother, Mbugua, claimed that the family has not been able to access Betty’s children. He added that they only recognise Pastor Victor Kanyari as the father of Sky and Danny and believe he should have full custody.
Mbugua also alleged that Bayo’s widower, Hiram Gitau (Tash), had never formally married her. Responding to a commenter who said Tash should take responsibility as her official husband, he hinted that no legal marriage existed.
Tash and Bayo held their ruracio in 2021, but he claimed that they had not officially been wedded to warrant him to take ownership of his sister’s property.
Source: Facebook
5. Was Bilal on a weight loss journey
A video of actress Sandra Dacha helping Bilal on his weight-loss journey resurfaced following the actor’s death.
Dacha, who began using Ozempic in August 2024, had already shed 17 kg by January, dropping from 152 kg to 135 kg as she worked toward a goal of 115 kg.
The clip showed her and the Tahidi High actor at the clinic chatting before he spoke with a staff member and was taken into a procedure room.
Bilal, dressed in a blue T-shirt and jeans and using a walking stick, was later seen lying on his back and laughing as he received an injection, though it’s unclear if it was an Ozempic shot.
Last week, Jeff Koinange trended for days following rumours about his health, prompting him to finally speak out.
Pastor Kanyari also drew attention after leaking an M-Pesa message showing he had paid school fees for his young son, Danny.
TUKO.co.ke featured the top stories, including a video which resurfaced of Oburu Oginga explaining why his sister, Beryl Achieng, did not attend Raila Odinga’s burial.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
