Kenya is mourning the death of veteran broadcaster and long-serving State Master of Ceremonies Sammy Lui, a man whose deep voice and composed presence defined national events for decades.
Lui, who was also known as Sammy Lui Wang’ondu, passed away at his home in Subukia, Nakuru County, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, marking the end of a celebrated career that spanned radio, television, and government service.
Lui was found dead in his home on Thursday morning. Neighbours said the veteran broadcaster had been living alone and appeared to have passed away peacefully while seated. His body was later moved to Umash Funeral Home in Nakuru as the family began burial preparations.
The cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, public figures, and citizens who admired his work and character.
President William Ruto led Kenyans in mourning the fallen broadcaster, describing him as “a dedicated public servant, a veteran broadcaster, and the respected State Master of Ceremonies.”
The President noted that Lui’s presence at national celebrations reflected the dignity and pride of the Kenyan state, and that his eloquence gave life to national ceremonies that united the country.
Lui’s career in broadcasting began at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation when it was still known as the Voice of Kenya (VoK). He quickly became known for his commanding yet calm voice, which made him a household name in news presentation and public communication. His professionalism and mastery of Swahili and English made him one of the most respected anchors of his generation.
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In the early 1990s, Lui joined the Kenya Television Network (KTN), which had just been established as Kenya’s first privately owned television station. His move to KTN reflected the changing face of the country’s media industry, placing him among the pioneers who shaped television journalism in a new era of press freedom.
Beyond the newsroom, Lui’s career reached its peak when he joined the Office of the President as the official State Master of Ceremonies. From that point, his voice became a part of Kenya’s national identity. He presided over some of the most important national functions, including Madaraka Day, Mashujaa Day, and Jamhuri Day celebrations, under the administrations of Presidents Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and later Uhuru Kenyatta.
For years, Kenyans associated Lui’s voice with moments of pride and reflection. His calm command during state events, combined with a deep respect for protocol, made him a symbol of consistency and professionalism. Colleagues often described him as humble, disciplined, and passionate about mentoring young broadcasters.
After decades of service, Lui retired from active government duties and settled in Subukia, Nakuru County. There, he lived a quiet life away from the spotlight but remained a respected figure in the media and communication fraternity. Residents in Subukia described him as friendly and community-oriented, often attending local church events and participating in community initiatives.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from across the country. Former journalists, state officers, and ordinary Kenyans shared fond memories of the man whose voice announced presidents and national milestones. Many recalled how his work at the Voice of Kenya and later as a State MC left a legacy of excellence that defined Kenya’s broadcast and ceremonial standards.
In their condolence messages, his former colleagues at KBC and KTN described him as a teacher and mentor who embodied the discipline and patience required in public communication. “Sammy Lui was not just a broadcaster; he was an institution. He trained and inspired many of us who came after him,” said one veteran journalist.
Plans for his funeral are underway, with family, colleagues, and friends expected to gather in Nakuru to honour a man whose voice told Kenya’s story for more than 30 years.
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