Comedian DJ Shiti, whose real name is Steven Oduor Dede, has bid a final farewell to his father in an emotional burial ceremony held in a rural Kenyan setting weeks after announcing the loss publicly.
Footage from the graveside service shows mourners gathered around a freshly dug grave marked by mounded red earth, with a tree planted beside it as a lasting memorial.
DJ Shiti was seen comforting a woman carrying an infant during the service, with the overall mood deeply sombre as family and friends grieved together.
Richard Ndede Mbanda’s final journey
Richard Ndede Mbanda passed away on September 16 after enduring a seven-year battle with cancer. His death came after a prolonged fight that clearly took a toll on the family, both emotionally and financially.
When DJ Shiti first broke the news to his followers, he did not hold back his grief.
“My Old Man joined his ancestors yesterday morning, after battling cancer for 7 years. One day cancer will also die… Rest in power Omwami Richard Ndede Mbanda,” he wrote in a tribute that resonated widely.
Family appeals for support
In the days following the announcement, the family reached out to the public for assistance with outstanding hospital bills and burial costs, providing a till number (1728307) for those who wished to contribute.
A symbolic tree-planting moment at the graveside during the burial added a poignant touch to the send-off, reflecting the family’s desire to honour Richard Ndede Mbanda’s memory in a lasting way.
DJ Shiti is one of Kenya’s best-known comedians and entertainers, and the loss of his father has drawn sympathy from across the country.
