DES MOINES, IOWA – Former Kenyan actress Barbara Chepkoech, celebrated for her roles in popular television series ‘Tahidi High’ and ‘Wingu la Moto’, is mourning the sudden death of her nine-year-old son, Blade Prince Adams. The boy passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in Iowa, United States, where the actress has resided for over a decade.

Blade, who was born on November 20, 2015, was described by his family in an obituary as a “vibrant, bubbly, strong, and cherished boy who loved his family, food, and adored his three sisters.” The cause of his sudden passing has not been publicly disclosed. The family has expressed immense grief, stating, “The pain, disbelief, and confusion surrounding Blade's loss have been overwhelming for our family and friends.”

A funeral service was held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Imani Family Church in West Des Moines, Iowa, a multicultural congregation with a significant number of Kenyan members. Following the service, Blade was laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery. Photos from the funeral shared on social media showed a heartbroken Chepkoech, her partner, and their three daughters grieving the profound loss.

A Career from Nairobi to the US

Barbara Chepkoech, popularly known to Kenyan audiences by her stage name ‘Waridi’, became a household name in the mid-2000s. She starred in the acclaimed Citizen TV drama ‘Wingu la Moto’ from 2003 to 2006 and later in the high-school drama ‘Tahidi High’. After a successful acting career in Kenya, she relocated to the United States more than ten years ago, where she also pursued a music career.

In the US, Chepkoech, also known as Barbie Warydi Adams, built a life with her family in Iowa. In November 2015, she announced the birth of twins, including Blade. Her social media posts often depicted a close-knit family life, making the sudden loss of her only son a deep shock to her followers and the broader Kenyan community abroad.

Kenyan Diaspora Rallies in Support

The Kenyan community in the United States has shown significant solidarity with the grieving family. A GoFundMe campaign was organized by a family friend, Joan Sinali, to help cover funeral costs and provide financial support during this difficult period. The fundraiser described Blade as “a wonderful son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, friend, and the most epic kind superhero.”

Gotabgaa International Incorporated (GI), a non-profit organization that connects and supports Kenyans in the US, issued a heartfelt condolence message. GI President Janeth Ngeno-Rutto stated, “As a family united by compassion and community, our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss of baby Blade Adams.” She praised the local Iowa community for its unity and unwavering support for the family in their moment of grief.

In her own social media posts, Chepkoech expressed her profound sorrow. “My sweet Boy. Rest in Heaven papa. Until I meet you again…. You are loved forever,” one post read, reflecting the deep pain of a mother's loss that has resonated with Kenyans both at home and across the diaspora.