KBC Radio Taifa Presenter Edmonds Selassia Dies, Tributes Pour In

NAIROBI, Kenya — Popular KBC Radio Taifa presenter Edmonds Selassia has died, prompting an outpouring of grief from friends, former colleagues, artistes and listeners who remember him for his work at the national broadcaster.

Digital creator and former colleague Haligan Agade confirmed Selassia’s death on Thursday, describing him as a great friend, a gentleman and a man who treated others with respect.

Agade said he had only recently received news of Selassia’s death and expressed disbelief at the loss.

“Just been informed about very sad news of the death of my great friend and former colleague Edmonds Selassia. Edmond has been a great friend, a gentleman per excellence, a man full of respect,” Agade wrote.

He reflected on the painful nature of losing people he described as some of the best and most admirable individuals in his life, comparing Selassia’s death with that of another friend and former colleague, Zopporah Njeri, who died six years ago.

“Why is it that death always snatches away from amongst us the best and beautiful souls?” Agade asked.

He concluded his tribute with an emotional expression of disbelief: “What is death wajameni, what is death?”

Tributes From Former Colleagues and Friends

News of Selassia’s death has prompted tributes from people who interacted with him during his time at KBC Radio Taifa, with many remembering his distinctive presence on air and contribution to broadcasting.

Facebook influencer Benson Wamunga expressed shock at the news, recalling that Selassia’s voice had been heard on the national broadcaster only recently.

“Waaaaaah omwana wa ingo Edmonds Selassia. It’s just yesterday when your voice was fresh behind KBC Radio Taifa bars!” Wamunga wrote.

Wamunga also recalled Selassia’s involvement in the Tafrija za Kutwa programme associated with artiste Caroline Mramba, popularly known as Mtoto Mzuri.

“The whole of last week you were in, for @Caroline Mramba (Mtoto Mzuri) kwenye Tafrija za Kutwa!” he added.

Another Facebook influencer, Danmetro Worldover Mukoya, shared a clip from what he described as Selassia’s show the day before his death.

Mukoya said the presenter had worked until late at night before his death the following morning, describing the news as difficult to comprehend.

“Our deepest condolences to the family of Kenya broadcasting presenter Edmonds Selassia. Imagine this clip was for yesterday’s show ukafanya hadi late usiku then asubuhi you are no more,” Mukoya wrote.

He concluded with a simple tribute: “RIP Edmonds Selassia.”

Gospel Artiste Mourns Broadcaster

Gospel singer Gladys Mwathime was also among those who paid tribute to Selassia, remembering his support for her music and the role he played in giving her songs airtime on KBC Radio Taifa.

“WAH IT HURTS. GO WELL, DEAR FRIEND Edmonds Selassia,” Mwathime wrote.

She expressed gratitude for the broadcaster’s support and said she would not forget how he played her songs on the national radio station.

“CAN’T FORGET HOW YOU PLAYED MY SONGS ON YOUR STATION RADIO KBC. I’m grateful sir,” she added.

Mwathime concluded her message by referring to Selassia as “Shemeji” and wishing him eternal rest.

A Loss for Kenya’s Broadcasting Industry

Selassia’s death has left colleagues and listeners mourning a broadcaster whose voice had become familiar to audiences of KBC Radio Taifa.

The tributes emerging from his former colleagues, friends and artistes highlight his professional contribution as well as the personal relationships he built during his broadcasting career.

As messages of condolence continue to emerge, Selassia is being remembered as a respected broadcaster and colleague whose work connected him with audiences and members of Kenya’s creative industry.