The silence of a golden voice: Kenya mourns veteran broadcaster Sammy Lui

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Monday, October 20, 2025, during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui, one familiar voice was missing--that of Sammy Lui.

He was the man whose deep, commanding voice once introduced national leaders, military parades, and school performances with flawless ease and rhythm.

“Mheshimiwa Rais, wanaoingia jukwaani sasa ni wanafunzi wa shule za msingi kutoka maeneo bunge yote ya Kitui,” he would say in Swahili, before switching smoothly to English with his signature tone.

But that powerful voice — one that had narrated decades of Kenya’s history — had long fallen silent.

Then, on Thursday, October 23, Kenyans came across his photograph online. It was not a throwback. It was an announcement that he was no more.

President William Ruto led the nation in mourning, describing Lui as “a dedicated public servant, a veteran broadcaster, and the respected State Master of Ceremonies.”

“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.

“His sterling career influenced many who followed in his footsteps, and his huge contribution to our media industry will not be forgotten.”

Among those who shared fond memories of Lui was Dr Ezekiel Mutua, CEO of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK).

Dr Mutua, who once worked alongside Lui in the government communication service, described him as “a disciplined, soft-spoken professional who carried the voice of the nation with dignity.”

“Sammy Lui represented the very best of public communication — humility, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the power of voice. His words gave weight to national events, and his tone evoked respect,” Dr Mutua said.

Several former colleagues from the Presidential Press Service (PPS) also recalled Lui’s mentorship. They spoke of a man who not only mastered the microphone but also mentored younger government communicators with patience and precision.

A generation of national narrators

Before Lui, Kenya had other broadcasting legends who shaped the sound and identity of the nation. They include Daniel Njuguna Gatei, Mohamed Juma Njuguna, Salim Mohamed, and Leonard Mambo Mbotela--veterans whose voices became part of Kenya’s collective memory.

Together, they were the unseen narrators of the country’s milestones: from independence anniversaries to presidential tours, from national tragedies to great triumphs.

Their role was more than reading speeches or announcing programmes — they interpreted history in real time, giving emotion and dignity to moments that defined generations.

“Without their calm, authoritative voices,” said a retired PPS officer, “many national events would have lost their soul. They helped Kenyans listen, feel, and believe in their country.”

The silence of a voice remembered

As the nation reflects on Lui’s passing, Kenyans are reminded that behind every great national event is a voice, and behind every voice, a story.

Sammy Lui’s story is that of a man who gave his all to the art of public communication. His voice echoed in stadiums, palaces, and living rooms--and even in his silence, it continues to speak.

Rest in peace, Sammy Lui--the voice that told Kenya’s story.