Former Radio Africa journalist Rose Wanjiku Mbugua was laid to rest on Friday, July 24, 2026, at her family home in Limuru. The burial in Uplands, Limuru, marked the end of an emotional farewell for the 24-year-old journalist, whose death followed a tragic road accident in Nairobi, according to The Star.
Rose Mbugua: Former Radio Africa Journalist Laid to Rest in Limuru
Family, friends, members of the media fraternity, and colleagues gathered for the ceremony. Many mourners wore purple, which served as the theme color for the day. The proceedings began at 8 am with prayers and a final viewing of the body at the family home before a church service was held at the burial venue.
Fatal Accident on Uhuru Highway
Rose Mbugua died on the evening of Friday, July 17, 2026, in a collision on Uhuru Highway near the University of Nairobi roundabout. According to Business Today Kenya, Mbugua was a pillion passenger on a motorcycle traveling toward the city center at approximately 5:30 pm. The rider reportedly hit the pavement near the University Way roundabout, causing the motorcycle to lose control and slam into the side of a Foton concrete mixer.
Mbugua suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police from the Traffic Department secured the scene and transferred her body to the Nairobi City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Authorities impounded the vehicles involved to allow forensic investigators to reconstruct the events, reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses to determine if negligence or speeding contributed to the crash.
Professional Journey and Career
Mbugua is remembered by colleagues as a hardworking, talented, and dedicated journalist. She began her professional career in early 2025 as an intern with Blue Radio Kenya in Mombasa. Following a three-month internship characterized by creativity and professionalism, she was recruited by the The Star.
![[PHOTOS] Final farewell: Ex-Radio Africa journalist Rose Mbugua laid to rest in Limuru](https://cdn.radioafrica.digital/image/2026/07/28686423-3dec-4510-9482-1c028c4aa291.jfif?1784925588955 "Photo: The Star")
During her tenure at the media house, she developed skills in digital media, video editing, and journalism. She also worked with The Star, where she focused on digital health reporting and produced content designed to build an online audience. Colleagues described her as an innovative reporter who sought to make information accessible to the public.
Tributes and Family Remembrance
Born on February 1, 2002, Mbugua was a university graduate. Her family and friends, including her best friend Gabrielle Mosa—who referred to her by the nicknames “Shiku” or “Shiks”—paid heartfelt tributes during the memorial. According to Tuko News, her mother authored a tribute titled My Daughter, My Rose,
while her siblings, Vincent, Livingston, and Jane, also provided personal dedications.
The journalism community also honored her memory through various tributes:
- Social Media: A TikTok video of Mbugua dancing with radio presenter Jakes Nyanjom resurfaced online, prompting fans and colleagues to reflect on her life.
- Vigils: A candlelight vigil was held in her honor marking one week since her passing.
- Professional Peer Tributes: Photojournalist Moses shared an emotional tribute and the memorial programme on Instagram to highlight her potential and legacy.
Road Safety Context in Nairobi
The death of the 24-year-old journalist has renewed concerns regarding road safety in Nairobi, specifically involving heavy commercial vehicles and motorcycles. On the Friday night of the accident, 13 people were killed in separate road accidents in the Nairobi area, including five passengers, five motorcycle riders, one pillion passenger, and two pedestrians, according to Business Today Kenya.
Worth a look
