Kenya’s para-badminton community is mourning the sudden death of national team athlete Japheth Kakai Kitela, who passed away shortly after returning from the World Abilitysport Beach Games in Mersin, Turkey.
According to his family and Ability Sports Kenya, Kakai, 51, fell ill upon Team Kenya’s arrival in Nairobi on Monday, October 27, 2025, and was pronounced dead later that day at Mbagathi Hospital.
“He was an integral member of Kenya’s para-badminton team that won two gold medals in Turkey,” said Alfred Simiyu Barasa, Vice President of Ability Sports Kenya. “He appeared fine during our journey back. We traveled from Mersin to Istanbul and then to Nairobi, arriving early Monday morning. After a quick media photo session, we all went home. His sudden passing has deeply shocked us.”
A postmortem conducted at Mbagathi Hospital revealed that Kakai, who was a leg amputee, had developed blood clots in his remaining leg, leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and a pulmonary embolism, a fatal condition caused when a clot blocks blood flow to the lungs.
Kakai was part of John Mburu’s Mixed Triples Relay team, which clinched Kenya’s second gold medal after defeating hosts Turkey 3–1 at Pompei Beach. The victory marked a major milestone for Kenya at the international event, showcasing the country’s growing strength in para-sports.
Originally from Isovya village, Muthanga Mutune, Kaiti Constituency, Makueni County, Kakai had been a beloved figure within the para-athletics community and a source of inspiration for many athletes living with disabilities.
Ability Sports Kenya officials, including Treasurer Caroline Wanjera and President Agnes Oluoch, expressed their condolences and pledged full support to Kakai’s family. Discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports to ensure he receives a dignified send-off befitting a national hero.
Kakai is survived by his wife, Catherine Anyesi Kakai, six children, and five grandchildren. His burial is scheduled for November 8, 2025, at his home in Muthanga Mutune, Makueni County.
