Kenya is mourning the loss of one of its most distinguished voices — Sammy Lui Wang’ondu, the veteran broadcaster whose commanding tone and dignified delivery defined the country’s national ceremonies for decades.
Lui, who served as Director of State Functions and was widely celebrated as the State Master of Ceremonies, passed away on Thursday, October 23, at his home in Subukia, Nakuru County. His death marks the end of an era for Kenyan broadcasting and state protocol.
President William Ruto led the nation in paying tribute to Lui, describing him as “a dedicated public servant, a pioneer journalist, and a respected voice of the nation.”
“From his early days as one of Kenya’s pioneer journalists at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation to his time at the Presidential Press Service, and later as Director of State Events, his powerful voice was the familiar soundtrack to Kenyans,” the President said in his condolence message.
“His contribution to our media industry will not be forgotten. Our condolences to his family, friends, and the media fraternity. Rest in peace, Lui.”
According to his son, Chris Wang’ondu, the family is deeply saddened but proud of his extraordinary legacy. “He lived a life of service, excellence, and humility,” he said.
A Voice That Spoke for Generations
Lui began his career in the early days of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC)—then known as the Voice of Kenya (VoK). His flawless diction, crisp pronunciation, and mastery of both English and Kiswahili quickly made him a household name.
He later joined KTN, before being appointed to the Office of the President, where he rose through the ranks to become Director of State Events.
For more than 30 years, Lui’s voice echoed through radios and television sets across the nation — introducing presidents Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta during national days such as Jamhuri Day, Madaraka Day, and Mashujaa Day.
To many Kenyans, his deep, resonant tone became synonymous with patriotism and dignity — a sound that signaled moments of national pride.
The Perfectionist Behind the Podium
Despite his fame, Lui was known for his humility and meticulous professionalism. Colleagues describe him as a man of few words but immense influence — a stickler for timing, tone, and ceremonial decorum.
“He would rehearse endlessly before a state event, making sure every syllable was right,” recalled a former colleague from KBC. “He believed the voice represented the soul of the nation.”
Beyond his official duties, Lui was also a mentor to many young broadcasters, teaching the art of voice modulation, pronunciation, and presence. His protégés now populate Kenya’s top radio and TV stations — a living testament to his enduring impact.
A Nation Says Goodbye
Details surrounding the cause of his death remain undisclosed, but the family has requested privacy as they prepare funeral arrangements, which will be announced in the coming days.
For millions who grew up listening to his baritone during historic national moments, Sammy Lui Wang’ondu’s passing is more than a loss — it’s the quieting of a voice that once spoke for an entire nation.
File Image: The late Sammy Lui Wang’ondu, veteran broadcaster and former Director of State Functions.
