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'Beacon of journalistic excellence': Kenyans mourn Rita Tinina

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Among those who sent condolence messages was journalist and State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, who said Tinina always displayed grace.

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).

"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.

 

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.

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:

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.

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".

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

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"

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:

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:

 

The body was taken to the Umash Funeral Home.

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