Emmanuel Otieno, known as Jadudi, has died at 26 after a four-year battle with brain cancer, succumbing on March 4, 2019, at Jaramogi Odinga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu County.
The former University of Nairobi student was admitted in October 2018 following years of unsuccessful surgeries to remove a brain tumor diagnosed when he was 22. He had initially discovered the condition during his third year of studies, rallying public support and assistance from the Africa Cancer Foundation to fund treatments.
The foundation confirmed his death in a tweet describing him as a "real Shujaa" (hero). The message stated: "We regret to inform you that Jadudi, a.k.a. Emmanuel Otieno, succumbed to brain cancer at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital, Kisumu on the night of March 4, 2019. He was a real Shujaa! May God rest his soul in eternal peace and comfort his family. ACF mourns Jadudi." The statement included a link to a Twitter post from March 5, 2019.
Jadudi's story gained national attention in 2018 when writer Jackson Biko highlighted his struggle. At the time, the young man needed 1 million shillings for a surgery in India but raised 6.4 million shillings in two days through public donations. Despite the support, the tumor repeatedly regrew, leading to his eventual death.
Throughout his illness, Jadudi expressed determination to continue fighting. "I still want to fight. Please stand by me," he said in a statement attributed to Biko. His resilience drew widespread admiration, though the disease ultimately proved fatal.
