Dickens Wasonga Biography, Wiki, Age, Wife, Family, Death, Accident, and More
Dickens Wasonga was a renowned journalist and reporter who worked for the Star Newspaper, a leading media outlet in Kenya. He was known for his professionalism, integrity, and passion for journalism. He covered various topics, such as politics, health, education, sports, and culture, and interviewed many prominent personalities in the country.
He was also the newly elected chairperson of the Kisumu Journalists Network, a professional association of journalists in the western region of Kenya. He died in a tragic road accident on January 26, 2024, at the age of 38, leaving behind a young wife and two children.
Early Life and Education
Dickens Wasonga was born in 1986 in Siaya County, Kenya. He attended St. Joseph’s Primary School and St. Joseph’s High School, where he excelled in academics and co-curricular activities. He developed an interest in journalism and media at a young age, and participated in various school clubs and competitions.
He later joined the University of Nairobi, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies in 2009. He also pursued a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication at the same university, which he completed in 2013.
Dickens Wasonga Wiki/Bio
| Name | Dickens Wasonga |
| Birth Name | Dickens Omondi Wasonga |
| Date of Birth | 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Siaya County, Kenya |
| Date of Death | January 26, 2024 |
| Place of Death | Kisumu-Kakamega highway, Kenya |
| Cause of Death | Road accident |
| Occupation | Journalist, reporter, editor |
| Years Active | 2010-2024 |
| Employer | Radio Africa Group |
| Spouse | Mary Wasonga |
| Children | Two (a son and a daughter) |
| Parents | Not disclosed |
| Siblings | Not disclosed |
| Education | University of Nairobi |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nickname | None |
| dickenswasonga | |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Career and Achievements
Dickens Wasonga started his career as a journalist at the Nation Media Group, the largest media conglomerate in East Africa, in 2010. He worked as a reporter and sub-editor for the Daily Nation, the flagship newspaper of the group. He covered various beats, such as politics, health, education, and human interest stories. He also contributed to other publications of the group, such as the Saturday Nation, the Sunday Nation, and the Business Daily. He won several awards and accolades for his outstanding work, such as the Media Council of Kenya Award for Best Health Reporting in 2012, and the Kenya Union of Journalists Award for Best Investigative Reporting in 2014.
In 2016, he joined the Radio Africa Group, another leading media company in Kenya, as a senior reporter and editor for the Star Newspaper, a popular tabloid that focuses on politics, entertainment, and lifestyle. He established himself as one of the most influential and respected journalists in the country, with a large following and fan base. He hosted various shows and segments on the Star Newspaper, such as “The Big Story”, “The Hot Seat”, and “The Star Spotlight”, where he analyzed and discussed the latest news and events in the country and beyond.
He also wrote a weekly column, “The Star Point”, where he expressed his opinions and perspectives on various issues affecting society. He was known for his fearless and bold journalism, as he exposed corruption, injustice, and malpractice in various sectors and institutions. He also championed the rights and welfare of the marginalized and oppressed groups, such as the women, the youth, and the disabled. He was also a mentor and a role model for many aspiring and upcoming journalists, as he shared his skills and experience with them.
In 2023, he was elected as the chairperson of the Kisumu Journalists Network, a professional body that represents and advocates for the interests and welfare of journalists in the western region of Kenya. He was instrumental in strengthening the network and enhancing its visibility and credibility.
He also initiated and implemented various projects and programs that aimed at improving the quality and standards of journalism in the region, such as training workshops, mentorship sessions, and awards ceremonies. He also fostered collaboration and cooperation among the journalists and the media houses in the region, as well as with other stakeholders, such as the government, civil society, and the private sector.
Personal Life, Spouse & Kids
Dickens Wasonga was married to Mary Wasonga, a teacher and a counselor, whom he met at the University of Nairobi. They tied the knot in 2012 and had two children, a son and a daughter. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, who cherished and supported his family.
He was also a devout Christian, who attended the Anglican Church of Kenya. He was a generous and compassionate person, who gave back to society and helped the needy and the less fortunate. He was involved in various charitable and humanitarian causes, such as sponsoring the education of orphans and vulnerable children, donating to hospitals and schools, and supporting environmental conservation and peace initiatives.
Net Worth and Income Sources
There is no official or reliable source that reveals the exact net worth and income sources of Dickens Wasonga. However, based on some estimates and assumptions, we can make some educated guesses. According to Payscale, the average salary of a journalist in Kenya is KSh 38,000 per month, or KSh 456,000 per year.
Assuming that Wasonga earned more than the average, due to his seniority and experience, we can estimate that his annual income was around KSh 600,000 to KSh 800,000. This would translate to a monthly income of KSh 50,000 to KSh 66,667.
Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
| Weight | In Kilograms: 70 kg In Pounds: 154.32 lbs |
| Height | In Feet Inches: 5′ 8″ In Meters: 1.72 m In Centimetres: 172 cm |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
Death and Accident
Dickens Wasonga died on January 26, 2024, in a road accident along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway. He was driving alone in his car when he collided with a trailer near Mamboleo junction. He died on the spot due to the impact of the crash. The trailer driver and his turnboy escaped unhurt.
The police arrived at the scene and launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. The preliminary report indicated that the accident was caused by poor visibility and slippery road conditions due to the heavy rain that was falling at the time. The report also suggested that Wasonga might have been speeding and lost control of his car, which veered off the road and hit the trailer.
Tributes and Condolences
The news of Wasonga’s death shocked and saddened the media fraternity and the public, who mourned and paid tribute to him. His colleagues and friends described him as a brilliant and dedicated journalist, who always pursued the truth and upheld the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. They also praised him as a friendly and humble person, who had a great sense of humor and a warm personality. They also expressed their condolences and sympathy to his family and prayed for their strength and comfort.
Some of the messages and statements that were issued by various individuals and organizations in honor of Wasonga are as follows:
“We have lost a star journalist, a great colleague, and a dear friend. Dickens Wasonga was a rare gem in the media industry, who always shone bright with his talent and passion. He was a fearless and bold reporter, who always sought to expose the ills and evils in the society. He was also a mentor and a role model for many young journalists, who looked up to him for guidance and inspiration. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. May his soul rest in eternal peace.” – Patrick Quarcoo, the CEO of Radio Africa Group.
“I am deeply saddened and shocked by the untimely and tragic death of Dickens Wasonga, a senior reporter and editor at the Star Newspaper. He was a seasoned and respected journalist, who covered various topics and issues with professionalism and integrity. He was also a leader and a visionary, who spearheaded the growth and development of the Kisumu Journalists Network. He was a friend and a brother, who always supported and encouraged me in my career and life. I extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to his family, colleagues, and friends. May God grant them the grace and courage to bear this loss.” – Omondi Oloo, the chairperson of the Kenya Editors Guild.
Trivia
- Dickens was a fan of soccer and rugby and supported the Harambee Stars and the Kenya Sevens teams.
- Wasonga was a lover of music and literature and enjoyed listening to reggae, jazz, and gospel songs, and reading novels and poems.
- He was a member of the Kenya Union of Journalists, the Media Council of Kenya, and the International Federation of Journalists.
