NEW YORK-BASED KENYAN MUSIC PROMOTER ABIUD OKEYO ONGUDI DIES IN KISUMU

A longtime Kenyan music promoter in the New York area, Abiud Okeyo Ongudi, has died. He passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Kisumu, where he had traveled to visit his extended family.

Abiud Okeyo, who lived for many years in Mount Vernon, New York, was widely known within the Kenyan diaspora community for his support of artists and cultural events. He hailed from the Kaswanga Clan of Nyakweri Village, Mfangano Island, in Suba North, Homa Bay County.

He was the father of Zephaniah Okeyo of New York, Betty Okeyo of Texas, and Sherrad Okeyo of North Carolina. He was the husband of the late Martha Okeyo.

The late Abiud Okeyo was a brother to Odero Ongudi, Ochola Abade Ongudi, Zephania Owuor Ongudi, Elly Jagero Ongudi, Christopher Ongudi, Aoko, and Amollo of Uganda.

He was an uncle of the late Ambassador Michael Okeyo, the late Meshack Otieno, the late Ouma Ogwango, Paul Obara, and Elly Odero, all of Kaswanga, as well as Jim Ochieng Elly of Chicago, USA, Rose Otieno, Josephine Obara, Debra Okeyo, and Achola-Pala Okeyo.

Abiud Okeyo’s body is currently at Gendia Mission Hospital in Kendu Bay. Funeral arrangements are underway and will be communicated by the family.