Wilberforce Kisia, 18, a dancer, died from head injuries inflicted by blunt force trauma, a postmortem report has revealed.
The popular dancer was at the popular VVIP Rooftop Club in Nairobi, a space he had hoped would elevate his craft and visibility.
But what was meant to be a night of joy turned into a nightmare. It would be the last time his family saw him alive.
Kisia was later found dead under unclear circumstances, his body discovered in room number 28 at the VIP Classic bar.
The mystery surrounding his death quickly turned into outrage after a postmortem report revealed he had succumbed to a brutal beating.
A report obtained by The Standard revealed the extent of injuries on the young dancer’s body, some of which were fatal.
“The deceased, who was aged 18 years was found lying dead on the bed room number 28 at VIP Classic bar. The body had visible injuries on the neck and back,” read part of the autopsy report.
Signed by Dr Grace Mioko, the autopsy confirmed the cause of death. “As a result of my examination, I formed the opinion that the cause of death was head injury due to blunt force trauma.”
The report outlined painful details: abrasions on the forehead and chin, injuries on the left forearm, lower limbs, right side of the body, and the entire back.
It was also noted that there were no defensive marks on his body, a chilling indication that he may have been completely overpowered.
Two bouncers suspected of attacking Kisia are currently detained at Kamukunji Police Station after they were denied bail.
The suspects were arraigned at Milimani Court, where a magistrate ruled that they be held for 14 days as investigations continue into the death.
They are expected to appear in court again on May 21 to answer to the charges levelled against them.
Meanwhile, videos of the popular dancer surfaced online just a day after his death, showing Kisia full of life and energy.
@stevebenaiahchao48 #duet with @vv.i.p rooftop #fyp ♬ original sound – vv.i.p rooftop
In the clips now widely circulated on social media, he is seen dancing atop a stage at the very club where he lost his life. It was a performance filled with joy, rhythm, and passion, moments captured just hours before his tragic end.
Kisia had left home hopeful, chasing his dream as a dancer admired on stage and online. That night, however, would mark the end of his journey.
According to his family, he was attacked by two security guards at the club after a misunderstanding. This version of events is backed by several eyewitnesses.
“He was dancing on the stairs when one bouncer grabbed him and handed him to another. That one held him by the neck. That’s the last they saw him,” explained his brother, Vincent Mudoga.
Witnesses allege that Kisia was strangled, dragged into a room, and left to die. For four days, his family searched desperately for him. There were no answers. Just silence.
“The last time I saw him was Sunday. He said, ‘I’ll be back Monday morning.’ But by Tuesday, there was no word, nothing. They hadn’t posted him on their club social media pages. That’s when I knew something was wrong,” said his brother, Kennedy Ambani, in an interview.
Ambani also recalled a cold response when he tried to reach out for information. “I called the club cameraman. He just told me, ‘If it’s about Kisia, go ask the management,’” he added.
The family’s fears were finally confirmed when the autopsy report made clear that Kisia had died from injuries consistent with a sustained beating, including head trauma caused by a blunt object.
Online, the news of his death sparked grief among fans who knew him from his viral videos. Many couldn’t believe the boy who had once danced so confidently in bright-coloured jackets was now gone.
“The boy with red jacket is no more ..RIP champe,” one user posted.
Another wrote, “The guy in blue is no more.”
The two arrested security guards remain in custody and are expected to face formal charges when they appear in court on May 21.
For now, Kisia’s family is left with memories of a young man whose light was extinguished far too soon. The pain of unanswered questions lingers.