A close friend confirmed to the press that Wanjau succumbed to an illness he had been struggling with for several months. He passed away on Thursday, December 4.
Actress Sandra Dacha, a longtime friend and colleague, also mourned him in an emotional post, describing him as an exceptionally gifted performer.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce the sudden passing of my colleague Bilal Wanjau early this morning due to complications,” she wrote.
Although the exact cause of death has not been officially disclosed, sources indicate that he may have developed health complications related to diabetes in recent months.
Wanjau was widely remembered for his humorous and unforgettable appearances on Tahidi High, where he became a household name. After the show ushered in a new cast, he moved on to other major productions, including Lies That Bind, Pepeta, and the hit comedy series Jela 5 Star.
The celebrated actor and director also had an impressive portfolio in film and theatre, earning praise for being one of the most relatable faces on Kenyan television.
In 2017, he received a Kalasha Award for Best Performance in a Comedy for his role in Jela 5 Star.
Beyond local screens, Wanjau’s talent saw him land roles in international projects, among them the adult drama 4Play.

Family and close friends say he will be laid to rest on Friday, December 5, at his rural home in Machakos.
Throughout his career, Wanjau was a passionate supporter of the Kenyan film industry, regularly using his platform to advocate for better recognition of local productions.
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