The Kenyan entertainment industry is in mourning following the sudden death of actor Bilal Wanjau, popularly known as “Webster Jnr” and professionally as ‘Afande Kasoro.’ Wanjau passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Kenyatta National Hospital due to complications from diabetes. He was the son of Ibrahim Bilali, a retired Olympic flyweight boxer who won bronze at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
Wanjau’s career was defined by his versatility in television, film, and theatre. He first gained recognition in NTV commercials Utahama Lini (2011) and Utahama Roundi Hii (2013), which he credited as his breakthrough. He appeared in shows including Tahidi High, Gavana, Jela 5 Star—where he played Kasoro Bin Kasoro—Bazenga, Pepeta, and Lies That Bind. He also directed productions and even featured in a Bollywood film.
His passion for acting began in secondary school, where he wrote and directed scripts by Form Three. Wanjau credited his family for nurturing his talent, saying he inherited his acting skills from his mother and father. On stage, he performed set books like Utengano, seeing theatre as vital for shaping an actor’s craft.
Wanjau’s talent earned him critical acclaim, including a 2017 Kalasha Award for Best Performance in a Comedy. Despite his success, he often encouraged support for local productions and artists.
In his final months, Wanjau battled type 2 diabetes, pneumonia, and a persistent leg wound. He will be buried according to Muslim rites on Friday, December 5, 2025, at his family home in Machakos. His passing leaves a significant void in Kenya’s entertainment landscape.
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