The Kenyan media community has been dealt a heavy blow in 2024 with the loss of several prominent journalists whose work defined and shaped the media landscape.
These journalists were not just reporters and broadcasters but storytellers, advocates, and mentors who dedicated their lives to informing and empowering the public.
Their deaths have left an undeniable void, reminding us of the contributions they made to society and the importance of the media.
1. Rita Tinina
Rita Tinina was found dead at her residence in Kileleshwa Estate, Nairobi, on Sunday, March 17, 2024.
According to Nation Media Group (NMG), Tinina was scheduled to produce the 1 PM news bulletin on NTV but did not show up for work.
Concerned, the station’s management visited her home, where they found her lifeless body.
Later, an autopsy revealed that she died of severe pneumonia.
Rita Tinina was the mother of one girl. She held a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication/Media Studies degree from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and had worked at both NMG and the Standard Media Group Limited where she was a senior reporter at KTN News.
“She embodied simplicity, kindness, grace, humility to an extraordinary degree, impeccable organization, unimpeachable integrity and rock-solid reliability,” NMG Editor-in-Chief Joe Ageyo said.
Also Read: Robert Nagila: Meet Rita Tinina’s Partner Who Described Her as ‘Most Stubborn’
2. Michael Oyier
Renowned for his work at KTN and later as a media consultant, Michael Oyier succumbed on Saturday, April 20, at around 2.30 pm, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital.
During his stint at the Standard Group, Oyier worked as a news anchor, before switching careers from journalism to counselling. He also worked as an editorial consultant and a trainer and had a stint as a presenter at Radio Africa.
Oyier was Known for his calm demeanour and captivating presentation style.
In his practice as a counsellor and an executive leadership coach, Michael Oyier has worked with renowned brands in Kenya including companies in the telecommunications sector, banking, and the National Treasury.
3. Jahmby Koikai
Celebrated Radio Presenter Njambi Koikai, popularly known as Fyah Mummah Jahmby died on June 4 after a long battle with endometriosis.
Njambi was an advocate of reggae music and Rasta culture and was fondly known to her fans as the Queen of reggae due to her passion for this genre of music.
She inspired many not only through her shows but also her strength and determination to fight endometriosis and was a vocal advocate for endometriosis awareness.
Njambi had over 20 years of experience in the Media Industry. She worked as an intern at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation before rising later through the ranks. She also worked at Urban Radio Metro FM as a Reggae show presenter.
Jahmby Koikai was the first-ever manager of the Sauti Sol Band and played a big part in their early stages as a band.
4. Washington Akumu
Washington Akumu, a prolific veteran journalist, writer and editor died of a cardiac arrest, after a period of battling illness.
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His family and friends disclosed that he died in hospital while receiving treatment.
He served as a business journalist and editor at the Nation Media Group from June 2013 to April 2014. He was a long-time contributor to Nation Media Group and played a key role in shaping business journalism in Kenya.
Further, he served as Senior Editor for The East African showcasing his expertise and commitment to journalism.
After leaving Nation Media Group in 2014, Akumu went on to join Redhouse Group, where he worked as the Group Account Director.
In 2016, he joined Media Edge Public Relations as Managing Director, a position he served until his untimely demise.
5. Shadrack Mitty
Shadrack Mitty, a seasoned Standard Group (SG) and KTN senior education news reporter Shadrack Mitty died at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH) in May 2024.
Preliminary reports indicate that he died of heart-related complications. Also, a colleague revealed that Shadrack had battled a blood condition for some time.
Former NTV Kenya senior Political affairs reporter Kennedy Murithi Bundi described Mitty as a true friend and dedicated bilingual journalist.
He served at Qtv between September 17, 2012 – June 30, 2016· He also worked as a journalist at Kenya News Agency (KNA) from June 2008 to September 2010.
Also Read: KTN Reporter Shadrack Mitty Dead
6. Prof Ngugi Njoroge
Veteran Royal Media Services (RMS) journalist, political commentator and scholar Prof. Ngugi Njoroge died in July 2024.
Prof. Ngugi was a host at Inooro FM’s late-night “Keera Show” with Nderitu Wa Ihura. His colleagues at Inooro FM and the RMS stated that Ngugi died at his home.
Inooro FM confirmed his death stating, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Prof Ngugi Njoroge from Keera Show.”
7. Dickens Wasonga
Star Journalist Dickens Wasonga died in an accident on January 26. The news of his demise was shared by Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga, among other journalists mourning him online.
Wasonga was involved in a head-on collision along the Kakamega- Kisumu Road early. At the time of his death, he was a Production Director with Radio Nam Lolwe, and the Chairman of the Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN).
Other Journalists who have passed away throughout the year include Baraka FM broadcaster Sam Makenda who died on May 16 while receiving treatment at Machakos Hospital.
Veteran journalist Mutegi Njau, who last worked as a journalist for Citizen TV, where he co-hosted the breakfast and accountability shows, died peacefully on the evening of June 27, 2024, at 7 pm.
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