Family, fans mourn veteran sports journalist Wandera

Relatives of fallen veteran Nakuru based sports correspondent, Michael Wandera have described the deceased as an inspiration in the wake of his demise on Monday morning as they appealed for help to give him a fitting send off.

Wandera who was popular for his strong command of the Swahili language for the three decades he stringed for national broadcaster KBC, rose to claim in their radio shows Ulimwengu wa Michezo and Darubini.

The journalist who also worked for Kenya Railways started ailing last year and had been receiving treatment at the Nakuru Level Five Hospital until his death.

According to his family, Wandera’s health took a turn for the worse on Sunday but showed great improvement upon taking medication.

The following morning, however, the father of four – who had been diagnosed with pneumonia – succumbed to the illness.

“My father was an inspiration and a breadwinner to the family and we will miss him dearly,” his eldest son Jamin Wandera told Citizen Digital.

His wife, Lillian Wandera who spent with the deceased through to his dying moments made a hearty appeal to the public to help in the funeral arrangements as the family prepares for his final send-off.

“He was good husband and loyal to his family. We are calling on the support friends and well-wishers during these times,” she said.

“He was the pillar to our family,” sis daughter, Happy, mourned.

As the news of his death broke, social media was awash with tributes as former colleagues, friends and fans condoled with the family.

“It’s sad that Wandera had to meet his death like this after a glittering journalism career  and we should all join hands to give Wandera a beautiful send-off,” Masese Kemunche of the Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance (CEDGG) appealed.

Former Nakuru Town Member of Parliament, Lee Kinyanjui hailed Wandera as ‘a brilliant reporter.’

“He ruled the airwaves in the 1980s, I know him as a good sports reporter,” Kinyanjui posted on his Facebook page.

Born in 1957 in Budalangi, Busia County, Wandera schooled at Menengai High School in Nakuru before joining Kenya Times Media Trust as a sports reporter.

He also worked at Railways for over 20 years as an office clerk.

Burial arrangements begin at his home in Manyani Estate on Wednesday.