Kenya’s media industry is mourning the loss of renowned radio presenter Edward Carey Kwach, who passed away on the night of April 28, 2025, after battling meningitis. The death of Kwach has left a significant void, particularly among those who admired his distinctive voice, humor, and charismatic presence on the airwaves.
One of the personalities most affected by this loss is Hot 96 radio host Nick Odhiambo, who shared an emotional tribute to his first cousin. In his message, Nick opened up about the deep familial bond they shared and how Kwach’s journey into radio inspired him to pursue a career in the same field. Nick revealed that not many people knew about their family connection, but he felt compelled to share this personal side of their relationship.
Nick reflected on how Kwach’s entry into radio in the 1990s made the dream of working in the industry feel more achievable. As a young man watching his cousin’s success, Nick began to see a path for himself in radio, feeling that if Kwach could do it, so could he. This sense of possibility was a turning point for Nick, who then set his sights on the media industry with a newfound determination.
Over the years, their careers intertwined, and the two cousins shared a friendly competition, particularly when it came to securing voice-over gigs and adverts. Despite their professional rivalry, there was always mutual respect and admiration between them. Nick fondly remembered the playful nature of their competition, which only strengthened their bond as family and colleagues.
In his tribute, Nick acknowledged the sadness that came with the realization that some of the ideas and plans they had discussed together would never come to fruition. However, he vowed to continue pushing forward in his own career, keeping his cousin’s dream alive by striving to achieve the goals they had once shared. Nick’s words were filled with emotion, underscoring his deep commitment to honoring Kwach’s legacy.
Kwach’s passing was confirmed by a family spokesperson, who praised the veteran broadcaster for the tremendous impact he had on the Kenyan media landscape. The spokesperson shared how Kwach’s voice and presence on the airwaves had touched countless lives, making him a beloved figure across the country. Before his death, Kwach had been hospitalized for several weeks and had appealed for blood donations, which drew an overwhelming response from fans and fellow media professionals.
In addition to Nick Odhiambo’s tribute, other prominent media personalities also expressed their grief over Kwach’s passing. Maina Kageni, another veteran radio host, described Kwach as “the greatest radio personality Kenya has ever produced.” He reminisced about the time they spent together at Kiss 100, where Kwach’s brilliance as a broadcaster inspired a generation of media practitioners.
As tributes continued to pour in, it became clear that Kwach’s influence extended far beyond the microphone. His contributions to Kenya’s media industry helped shape the careers of many, including his cousin Nick, and his legacy will live on in the work of those he inspired. The loss of Edward Kwach has left a lasting impact on his family, friends, colleagues, and listeners alike, and his memory will undoubtedly continue to be cherished for years to come.
