'Beacon of journalistic excellence': Kenyans mourn Rita Tinina

Kenyans across the country have eulogised journalist Rita Tinina, who was found dead at home on Sunday, as a beacon of journalistic excellence, whose impactful stories and remarkable reporting skills kept them tuned to the news.

Tinina, 46, has been a journalist for more than 10 years, her last role being output producer for broadcast platforms at NTV, Nation Media Group (NMG).

NMG Editor-in-Chief Joe Ageyo confirmed Tinina's death, saying her family had requested privacy.

Among those who sent condolence messages were President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio la Umoja One One Kenya Coalition and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

My sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Rita Tinina - a pioneer and a trailblazer in TV journalism.

Rest In Peace, Rita. pic.twitter.com/sYsLYQQUZA

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) March 18, 2024

"Her passing leaves a void in the industry, yet her legacy of storytelling and integrity will endure. My heartfelt condolences go out to her loved ones and colleagues. May God grant them strength and fortitude," part of his message, posted on X by Raila, stated.

In times of loss, we reflect on the profound impact individuals like Rita Tinina have had.

From her earliest days at NTV, Rita's dedication to journalism left an indelible mark on Kenya's media landscape. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/MhxaGsmUOd

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) March 17, 2024

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai described Tinina as a beacon of truth and integrity in journalism.

"Her commitment to factual and in-depth reporting set a benchmark in the media industry, illuminating the issues that matter to our society. Her loss is not just a blow to the Nation Media Group, where she dedicated years of exemplary service, but to the entire country's media fraternity and beyond," Alai said in a statement.

"To Rita's young daughter and the entire family, I extend my deepest condolences. May you find solace in the legacy of courage, tenacity, and love she leaves behind. Your loss is immense, and while words cannot fill the void left by Rita's departure, know that she lives on in the hearts and minds of those she touched."

Alai further asked the media fraternity to support each other and honour Tinina's contributions by upholding the principles she held dear. He also asked the public to celebrate her life and achievements, drawing strength from her unwavering dedication to truth, compassion, and integrity.

"To the Nation Media Group and the wider media fraternity, I offer my sympathies. Rita's contributions were immense, and her absence will be deeply felt. In these trying times, let us remember the principles she stood for and strive to uphold the standards of journalism she exemplified," Alai said.

Tinina's cause of death was not immediately clear, but the MP said it was under investigation. A police report issued later on Sunday said she suffered from epilepsy and was nursing a severe fever.

Journalist and State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said Tinina always displayed grace.

Rita bailed me out once during my time at Citizen TV, helping me file a story when our equipment failed at an EAC Heads of State Summit in Arusha during Kibaki’s presidency. It was my first interaction with her, as she was already a household name in media, while I was a rookie…

— Hussein Mohamed, MBS. (@HusseinMohamedg) March 17, 2024

Journalist and political strategy consultant Dennis Itumbi wrote, "In journalism, you remain a great journalist. Despite representing major stations while I worked for smaller media houses, your humility stood out as we covered events together."

He added, "I remember how you pushed me to apply for a role at The Voice of America. You were a super storyteller, and that made you stand out as a great journalist. Your stories will never fade. They are only a YouTube away. Journalists never die; they merely sign off."

Journalist Lindah Oguttu, who was Tinina's close friend and former colleague, said she guided her and helped shape her career.

Her condolence message was as follows:

I am who I am because I stood on her shoulders while at NTV. My T9. Go well my darling. Rita Tinina, the hand that held mine and never let go. I am broken....Rest mami. pic.twitter.com/uuVPtziFRr

— Lindah Oguttu aka Mtu ya mjengo (@lindahoguttu) March 17, 2024

Journalist Mohamed Ali, currently the member of parliament for Nyali Constituency, said he was saddened and heartbroken by the death of "a remarkable professional and friend who will be remembered for her exemplary work, hard work, determination, and polite demeanour".

"My condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and the entire media fraternity for this painful loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace and her legacy be carried on," he wrote on X.

Also via X, journalist Master Bakari said it was "deeply upsetting to lose a colleague from NTV".

"My condolences to all those who worked with Rita Tinina. Losing someone who dedicated their life to informing the public leaves a significant void," he wrote.

Thomas Amakanji shared a video of Tinina on duty, saying her reporting style kept him glued to his screen.

Rita tinina was a brand on her own ans she had a peculiar voice and made me always glued to the screen especially how she executed election matters, Dance with the angels Rita. Happy soul always. #RIPRitaTinina🕊️ pic.twitter.com/gHoxbTLBaU

— Amakanji Thomas (@AmakanjiThomas) March 17, 2024

Eliud Owalo, the cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, said “Tinina’s contributions to journalism were invaluable, and she will be remembered for her dedication to truth, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence in reporting”.

“During this time of mourning, may Tinina’s loved ones find comfort in the knowledge that she made a significant and meaningful contribution to the field of journalism.”

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris said she was saddened by the death of the "professional" and "dedicated" journalist whose "voice resonated across Kenya".

Saddened to hear about the passing of Rita Tinina, whose voice resonated across Kenya. Her professionalism and dedication to journalism will be greatly missed. Sending my deepest condolences to her family, her friends, and the media fraternity. pic.twitter.com/nAyMMHI8Q0

— Esther Muthoni Passaris (@EstherPassaris) March 17, 2024

Ezekiel Mutua, chief executive of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), shared this message:

Rita Tinina was a world class journalist. She was a gem. I am saddened to learn about her demise. Kenya has lost one of its finest career journalists. May God give peace and comfort to the family and may her soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/vDh5tAJbuF

— Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS (@EzekielMutua) March 17, 2024

An X user identified only as Matungunya said Tinina was "an amazing journalist" who "left a mark with her amazing reporting skills".

"It is a blow to the MSM fraternity now that she's passed on. May she fly with the angels."

X user Isaac Kalua Green eulogised Tinina as a "beacon of journalistic excellence, unwavering dedication and passion for storytelling"

Gone too soon….. Rita Tinina a beacon of journalistic excellence, unwavering dedication and passion for storytelling left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Her exemplary duty to inform, educate, and inspire has touched countless lives, leaving a legacy that will forever… pic.twitter.com/wMaYFLT4jz

— Dr. Isaac Kalua Green (@IsaacKalua) March 17, 2024

Evans Omukuba said via X that Tinina was "a cherished journalist whose elegance and passion for her craft inspired us all". He noted that her work will inspire many generations to come.

Edward Sabasi shared this message on his X page:

Rest easy Rita Tinina. Your legacy in journalism resonates profoundly. Your invaluable contributions to the field serve as a beacon of inspiration to many. Your impact transcends time, shaping the future of journalism.
May the family be comforted this time of duress & darkness. pic.twitter.com/T1s4qH7D2d

— Sabasi (@edward_moindi) March 17, 2024

Politicians Silas Jakakimba, Millicent Omanga (former nominated senator), and Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay governor) also condoled with Tinina's family.

Jakakimba said Tinana "had a near-inborn journalistic depth and experience, which easily made her transform her reportage into a story package".

"I first met Rita in the 2007 presidential campaigns, when she covered one of the then Pentagon teams led by PM Odinga and President Ruto. So sorry [to hear of] her sudden loss and [condolences] to her family, colleagues, relatives, friends, and the Kenyan media fraternity," he said.

Omanga's message was as follows:

Rita Tinina was an amazing soul who strode the world of journalism like a colossus. The many glowing tributes being dispensed by her colleagues in the industry & those who knew her are a testament to her graciousness. Her death is sad & unfortunate. She will be dearly missed. pic.twitter.com/oSYO205gEO

— Hon Millicent Omanga (@MillicentOmanga) March 17, 2024

The body was taken to the Umash Funeral Home.