RIP: Mnet Idol and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, Jaffar Jackson is dead

 

Tragedy struck the entertainment and LGBTQ+ community as news broke that Jackson Irungu, widely known as Jaffar Jackson, had passed away.

The former M-Net Idol and Kenyan stylist left this world on Sunday, January 7, succumbing to complications arising from a stomach infection.

Jaffar’s family disclosed that he had been hospitalised recently, and despite efforts to raise funds for his medical treatment, the beloved entertainer could not overcome the health challenges he faced.

The shocking news came to light when Actress Lydia Gitachu shared the heartbreaking update on social media.

“Jackson was suffering from a stomach infection. We found out he was hospitalised yesterday. I spoke to him and his uncle who raised money for the medication prescribed. Kuamkia this morning (January 7), Lydia Gitachu had posted about his demise after being contacted by a neighbour,” Actress Nice Githinji updated Jaffar’s celebrity friends in a fundraising WhatsApp group.

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Jaffar’s family has confirmed that the funeral is scheduled to take place on January 18 at Langata Cemetery, where friends, family, and fans will gather to bid their final farewell to the charismatic artist.

Jaffar, who was known for his vibrant personality and joyous demeanor, shared a moving message on December 18, reflecting on life’s hardships. In the post, he expressed the struggle many face.

“Sometimes life hits us so hard and from every direction. Just getting super tired of this thing called life! Guess a time comes when we all say goodbye world?”

Friends and family remember Jaffar as a happy and courageous individual.

Melanie Woods, a close friend, expressed her shock and sorrow at the sudden loss, emphasizing Jaffar’s plans for a new job and the anguish of discovering the news after their recent conversation.

“I was woken up yesterday with the news that you were gone. I didn’t want to believe it. We just spoke just before the New Year. You were starting a new job on the tenth. I went to our messages to see if you had sent me a message that I had missed or if indeed it was just a dream. I was angry, so angry I gave myself a headache. I still can’t talk about just how angry I am. You shouldn’t be gone but you are. Know you were loved Jaffar Jackson. My heart is broken,” she wrote on Facebook.

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Achola Rosario shared condolences, calling Jaffar’s life beautiful but tragically cut short, while others reflected on his courage.

Elva, a family member, praised Jaffar for his bravery in openly declaring his sexual identity, even going live on CNN to announce that he was gay.

“Our family loved him very much… Jackson was BRAVE, BRAVE, BRAVE!! He went live on CNN Kenya and declared he was gay! In Kenya! In an African country! Who does that? Brave Jackson did. Unapologetically!” Elva shared in an emotional tribute.

Jaffar Jackson faced significant backlash when he first came out a couple of years ago, but he remained a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Kenya.

He openly discussed his struggles.

By Elizabeth Ngigi