Emmanuel Otieno, a University of Nairobi student known as Jadudi, has died after a prolonged battle with brain cancer, according to reports. He had been receiving medical care since 2012 and underwent multiple surgeries, including a 2015 procedure in India that was initially successful.
Jadudi gained public attention in 2015 when writer Jackson Biko highlighted his struggle with a brain tumor, prompting Kenyans to raise over Sh6 million in less than two days for his medical expenses. The funds enabled his travel to Chennai, India, where he underwent a four-hour brain surgery at Apollo Hospital to remove a Grade III Ependymoma.
Despite the initial success, Jadudi was diagnosed with a second brain tumor in 2016. His family and the Africa Cancer Foundation (AFC) later sought additional support in 2018 to cover an Sh1.2 million hospital bill, travel costs, and palliative care. AFC managing director Dorothy Nyong’o stated the treatment had not been fully effective, citing recurring health issues and high expenses.
His death sparked tributes on social media, with users recalling his resilience. One user wrote, "You fought the fight. You finished the race. RIP Jadudi," while another noted, "Rest Easy Champ Jadudi."
Jadudi, a third-year Political Science and Sociology student, had been a student activist before his illness. His passing follows the 2017 death of human rights advocate Wangui Mbatia, who also battled cancer.
