Kenya’s journalism fraternity is mourning the untimely death of veteran science journalist Ben Ochieng Ogodo, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, April 17, 2025, following a short illness. The news was shared by family spokesperson Amos Aketch, who described Ogodo’s passing as both sudden and deeply heartbreaking.
According to the family, Ogodo had been under the weather in recent days but continued to maintain his usual upbeat spirit. On Wednesday night, just hours before his passing, he was actively engaging online, watching and commenting on the UEFA Champions League semi-final clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid—a testament to his enduring passion for both journalism and football.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, Ogodo reportedly experienced intense chest pain while at home. His children acted quickly, arranging for transport to Mama Lucy Hospital. They also contacted their uncle, Dan Ogodo, who rushed to meet them at the hospital. Despite their efforts, Ben was sadly pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital’s emergency unit. Tragically, Uncle Dan did not get a chance to speak with him one last time.
Ogodo was a respected figure in both local and international media circles, having served as the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Coordinator and News Editor for the UK-based Science and Development Network (SciDev.Net). Over the years, he earned a reputation for his excellence in science communication, particularly in highlighting the intersection of science, development, and African realities.
Tributes have continued to pour in across social media from fellow journalists, researchers, and colleagues around the world, many remembering him as a kind mentor, a dedicated professional, and a passionate advocate for African science reporting.
His legacy will be remembered not just in the stories he told, but in the voices he inspired across the continent.
