Kenyan comedian and actor DJ Shiti is mourning the death of his father, Richard Ndede Mbanda, who passed away after battling cancer for seven years.
DJ Shiti shared the heartbreaking news on Thursday, September 17, 2026, revealing that his father had died on Wednesday morning. The entertainer accompanied the announcement with photographs and video clips capturing some of the memorable moments he shared with his father.
The death has left DJ Shiti and his family grieving the loss of a loved one who had spent years battling the disease.
DJ Shiti Pays Tribute to His Father
In his tribute, DJ Shiti reflected on his father’s long battle with cancer before bidding him farewell.
The comedian described his father as having “joined his ancestors” and noted that he had battled cancer for seven years. He also expressed hope that cancer would one day be defeated.
DJ Shiti concluded his message by honouring his father, Richard Ndede Mbanda, and wishing him rest in power.
The message was accompanied by personal footage that gave his followers a glimpse into the relationship between the entertainer and his father.
Rather than sharing extensive details about his father’s medical condition, DJ Shiti focused his public message on remembering him and acknowledging the seven-year struggle with cancer.
Seven Years of a Difficult Cancer Battle
Richard Ndede Mbanda’s death comes after seven years of living with cancer, according to DJ Shiti.
The comedian has not publicly disclosed the specific type of cancer his father had or provided detailed information about his treatment. His tribute instead highlighted the length of the battle and the emotional impact of losing his father after such a prolonged illness.
A seven-year battle can be a difficult experience not only for the person living with the disease but also for relatives who provide emotional support throughout the journey.
For DJ Shiti, the loss marks the end of a long period in which his family lived with the challenges associated with his father’s illness.
His tribute also reflected his personal hope that other families will one day be spared the pain caused by cancer.
Emotional Memories Shared With Fans
DJ Shiti’s announcement included moments from his time with his late father.
The photographs and clips allowed fans to see a more personal side of the entertainer, who is better known publicly for comedy, acting and making audiences laugh.
The decision to share those memories came as DJ Shiti mourned his father’s passing and remembered the moments they had spent together.
For many entertainers, social media has become a way of communicating major personal moments directly to their audiences. In DJ Shiti’s case, his post allowed friends, colleagues and fans to learn about his loss while also joining him in remembering Richard Ndede Mbanda.
The tribute showed that behind the comedian’s public personality is a son dealing with the loss of his father after years of illness.
Friends and Fellow Entertainers Send Condolences
Following the announcement, messages of condolence began coming in from friends, fellow entertainers and fans.
Comedian and media personality Dr Ofweneke was among those who sent a message of comfort to DJ Shiti.
Other friends and followers also responded with messages of sympathy, prayers and encouragement as they condoled with the comedian and his family.
The messages highlighted the support DJ Shiti has received from people within Kenya’s entertainment industry and from fans who have followed his career over the years.
For a public figure who has spent much of his career entertaining audiences, the response also showed the personal connection many fans have developed with him.
DJ Shiti’s Journey in Entertainment
DJ Shiti, whose real name is Steven Oduor Dede, is a Kenyan comedian, actor, content creator and master of ceremonies.
He became widely known through his comedy and acting work, particularly through The Real Househelps of Kawangware, which helped establish him as a familiar face in Kenya’s entertainment industry.
His career also included performances at the Nakuru Players Theatre, appearances on Churchill Show, event hosting and other entertainment projects.
According to The Standard, DJ Shiti began his entertainment journey through theatre and later travelled between Nakuru and Nairobi while pursuing opportunities in the industry before eventually settling in Nairobi. His career continued to grow through comedy, acting, music appearances and brand partnerships.
While audiences have largely known him for his humorous personality, t
