Remembering Edward Kwach

Celebrated radio presenter and media personality Edward Kwach has been remembered as a voice that defined a generation of radio in Kenya.

Kwach died on Monday night while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital, aged 52.

The Standard Group, colleagues, and friends across the media industry continue to pay tribute to a man whose voice, wit, and warmth left a lasting mark on the Kenyan airwaves.

The company’s management described Kwach as a “dedicated and professional team member” since joining in August 2021.

“Edward was an integral part of our Radio team, serving as a Radio Presenter on Spice FM (#Spicedrive). He proved himself to not only be a dedicated and professional team member but also a warm and vibrant presence who touched the lives of many around him.”

Intake Editor at The Standard Group, Wellington Nyongesa, recalled his first encounter with Kwach in 2004 when they helped launch Classic 105 under Radio Africa Group.

“We were the team that launched Classic 105 in 2004, and he was doing one of the shows, and what I remember about him is that he had the traditional radio voice, which was very rare, unlike now. He had a special voice.”

‘’He was very instantaneous in cracking the ribs, something that the listeners wanted. He dared to speak about the hard topics that not everyone could,” recalled Nyongesa.

Edwin Kwambai, Head of Radio at Standard Group, remembered Kwach as a joyful spirit who brightened any room.

‘’We were good friends. The last I saw him was at a client’s activation, and he was in good spirits, may he rest in peace.”

Standard Group’s Operations Editor, Andrew Kagwa, said Kwach was committed to his work on The Spice Drive on Spice FM and enjoyed being behind the mic. “Kwach would always make sure he said hi to me whenever he was around. We have lost a great figure. He had a way of making his guests feel welcomed and homely…we have truly lost a great talent,” he said.

Morning show hosts Ndu Okoh and Charles Muga (CT) from The Situation Room also paid tribute.

“He had a great personality, and his legacy in the media is unmatched,” said Okoh. “He’s in a better place now, but everything he did and the mark he left will not be forgotten.”

“All deaths are painful,” added Muga. “But when it’s someone you’ve worked with and related to, somebody you’ve worked with in good and even difficult situations, dies, it’s like an entire part of your life has gone with you. But Kwach has left us memories we shall cherish,’’

Radio anchor Denis Aseto remembered Kwach for his positivity. “I met him in the corridors when I started on The Situation Room. He said, ‘Baba, sharp, sharp—you’re doing great!’” said Aseto. “On Friday, I saw him at the hospital. He was being wheeled in and said, ‘Naenda kushughulikiwa, tutaongea.’ That was the last time I saw him. I celebrate him for the man he was.”

Edward Tributes.?#RIPKwach #SugarAndSpice #SpiceFM@yolandamulwa

Listen Live: https://t.co/g02z4J8wQm pic.twitter.com/nUets1jben — SpiceFM (@SpiceFMKE) April 29, 2025

Special Projects Editor at Standard Group, Francis Ontomwa, said he grew up inspired by Kwach’s commanding presence on air. “Kwach made me fall in love with radio. I grew up listening to this somewhat mystical figure with a big voice. His grasp of the craft was outstanding and made some of us dare to dream of becoming broadcasters.”

His colleagues at Radio Maisha recalled Kwach’s strong work ethic.

Though she had never interacted with Kwach a lot, Ann Njogu recalled how serious with his work Kwach was. “He always arrived early for his 3 pm show,” she said. “He wasn’t the type to stop for small talk, but when he was on air, his voice, his energy were unmatched.”

“One of the best” in the industry. “I’ve followed him since the late ’90s when I was in high school. He always delivered, professionally and passionately,” John Otieno, Head of Radio Production.

Mary Limo: “You could pair him with anyone and he would shine,” she said. “Working alongside him was like working with a legend.”

Health reporter Maryann Muganda: “It still feels unreal. His voice wasn’t just heard on the airwaves — it commanded them. Smooth, bold, and unforgettable, Kwach wasn’t just a radio presenter; he was radio.

Classic 105 presenter and longtime friend Maina Kageni posted a series of tributes on X.. “One of the best things to ever happen to me was meeting Edward Carey Francis Kwach. His energy and go-getter attitude rubbed off on all of us,” Kageni wrote.

Media personality Carol Radull also paid tribute: “Heartbreaking. A colleague and a friend. Rest in peace, Edward Kwach.”

Internal security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo described Kwach as “a true legend of radio and stage.”

‘’The mic may be silent, but Edward Kwach's spirit will forever whisper in our hearts. His voice, his wit, and his warmth lit up our lives and airwaves, especially through his unforgettable presence on Spice FM. Rest well, Kwach,’’ said Omollo.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.