The Kenyan creative scene was rocked yesterday by the tragic loss of two icons – renowned director Iman Ali and pioneering fashion designer Ali Mumo.
The pair, who were close friends and frequent collaborators, passed away in a fatal road accident.
According to reports, 38-year-old Iman and 40-year-old Ali were travelling along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway when the vehicle they were in veered off the road and collided with a tree.
Social media was soon ablaze with clips and photos of the mangled wreckage, leaving viewers in disbelief at the severity of the crash.
Emergency responders extracted their bodies from the crumpled car and transported them to Coast General Hospital, where their deaths were confirmed upon arrival.
Few details have emerged regarding the cause of the accident, which is under investigation by transport authorities.
Iman and Ali left an indelible mark on Kenya’s creative scene through their groundbreaking work. With his unique cinematic vision, Iman directed over a dozen award-winning films and documentaries that showcased untold Kenyan stories to the world.
Meanwhile, Ali’s eponymous fashion label Ali Mumo Collection was pioneering Kenyan high fashion on the global stage.
The news has prompted an outpouring of grief across the nation as luminaries pay tribute. Musician Nameless described Iman as “one of the most talented directors to come out of Kenya”, while Thee Pluto mourned “losing two giants of the creative industry”. Dzaddy Amore shared his heartbreak, stating “Kenya will never be the same”.
Iman and Ali’s tragic passing leaves an immense void that will be difficult to fill. Their legacy will undoubtedly inspire new generations of storytellers and innovators to continue pushing creative boundaries with their work.
Kenya mourns the loss of two brilliant souls who left an indelible mark and will never be forgotten.