Celebrated Kenyan actor and director Bilal Wanjau has died while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, his family announced on Wednesday night.
Wanjau reportedly fell ill on Sunday while in Machakos after experiencing sudden pain in one of his legs. His relatives took him to hospital the next day. He had been living with type 2 diabetes and had spent the previous week battling pneumonia while also managing a leg wound.
A family spokesperson said doctors ran tests from Monday to Wednesday and were preparing to begin treatment when Wanjau passed away.
The family has begun burial preparations. He will be laid to rest on Friday in Machakos County.
Wanjau’s career spanned film, television, theatre, and commercial productions. He rose to fame in 2009 after appearing in the widely popular “Utahama Lini?” national lottery advert. He later featured in well-known shows such as Sumu la Penzi, Tahidi High, Jela 5 Star, Njoro wa Uba, Hullabaloo Estate, Gavana, and Mjinga na Ushenzi. He also took part in a Bollywood project, showing his range and versatility.
In 2017, Wanjau won a Kalasha Award for Best Performance in a Comedy for his role in Jela 5 Star.
Born to Olympic boxing bronze medalist Ibrahim “Surf” Bilal, Wanjau discovered his love for drama while at St. Teresa’s Boys Secondary School before further developing his talent at Eastleigh High School. His early performances caught the attention of producers at the National Theatre, opening doors for his professional acting career.
Wanjau is remembered for his humor, charm, and strong screen presence. He became a household name through Citizen TV’s Tahidi High, where he connected deeply with viewers.
Beyond acting, he championed better recognition of the arts as a meaningful career for Kenya’s youth, often speaking about the sector’s power to create jobs and inspire talent.
His family has asked for prayers and support as they prepare for his final send-off.