Renowned Kenyan radio personality and popular host of Spice Drive on Standard Group’s Spice FM, Edward Kwach, has passed away after a battle with meningitis. He was 52.
His family confirmed the news on Tuesday morning in a statement issued through their spokesperson, Michael Okwiri.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved son and brother, Carey,” the statement read. “He touched the lives of many through his voice and presence on the airwaves.”
Kwach’s death, which came after weeks of medical care at a hospital in Nairobi, marks a painful moment for Kenya’s radio fraternity and the listeners who grew up with his voice.
He was a familiar presence on the airwaves for over two decades, connecting with audiences across generations.
Kwach’s laid-back style and sharp ear for music made him a favourite across stations—from his early days at Capital FM to Homeboyz Radio, Hot96, and most recently, Spice FM.
His shows were never just about music. They were experiences—well-curated blends of soul, humour, and pop culture that made his listeners feel like they were part of a wider community.
As the son of Justice Richard Kwach, a former Court of Appeal judge, Kwach could have easily pursued a career in law, following in his father’s footsteps.
But his passion for broadcasting led him down a different path. As he once reflected, his interest in media was sparked at the age of 14, thanks to a Coca-Cola marketing campaign.
Despite his legal background, he was clear about his true calling: journalism.
Kwach’s radio debut came in 1996 at Capital FM, and he quickly made his mark. “Studios then and now have changed… now it’s audiovisual,” he stated in a past interview. His voice soon became synonymous with Kenyan radio.
Over the years, he was involved in various projects that pushed the boundaries of the industry. At one point, he co-founded Urban Radio, which aimed to decentralise English radio by targeting listeners in the counties.
Although the venture eventually failed, it was evidence of his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.
His professional life, too, was not without its ups and downs.
In the early 2000s, a public controversy involving rapper Collo—following a brawl and an allegedly stolen wallet—led to his dismissal from Radio Africa. He referred to that time in his life as a “downfall” and took responsibility for his role in the incident.
But, true to form, Kwach pressed on. He returned to radio, continued to evolve with the times, and mentored a new generation of radio professionals.
“In those times, it was the newspaper or phone calls,” he said, recognising how the media landscape had changed with the rise of social media.
Kwach’s 2021 return to Spice FM, which he called “coming home,” saw him hosting Spice Drive and quickly regaining his status as a listener favourite.
In the words of his family, “He touched the lives of many through his voice and presence on the airwaves.” It’s a fitting tribute to a man whose voice will indeed never be forgotten.
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