Police based at Kileleshwa Station have revealed NTV journalist Rita Tinina’s health status before her sudden death on Sunday, March 17.
According to a police report seen by The Kenya Times, Helen Silau Njaga, Tinina’s eldest sister, told the police that the deceased was suffering from epilepsy and had experienced severe fever before her death.
“She was suffering from epilepsy and had five days old severe fever, her health history which was given by the said sister,” the OB read in part.
The police said Hellen reported the matter to the station at around 2:20p.m. on Sunday.
She told the police that she received a phone call from Nation Media Group (NMG) that Tinina was found unconscious in her house in Kileleshwa.
Helen said Robert Nagila, a colleague to the deceased, made the call informing her that Tinina was found unconscious on her bed inside her bedroom in her house at Brooklyne apartments in Kileleshwa.
“On arrival at the scene the sister called in the assistance of emergency medical services whereby the paramedics confirmed that the body was already lifeless,” read the OB.
The police also confirmed that Tinina was living with her 8 years old daughter and a house help identified as Nelius Mwihaki Macharia in the same house.
The scene was visited by station police and duty officer Kileleshwa, Kilimani Q10 and processed.
No physical injuries were found on the body which was moved to Umash morgue for preservation awaiting autopsy.
Also Read: NTV Journalist Rita Tinina is Dead
NMG Statement to Staff
NMG Editor-In-Chief Joe Ageyo had also informed the staff about the demise of Rita Tinina.
In a notice, Ageyo said the management received information about Tinina’s death on Sunday morning.
He stated that the journalist was expected to be in the office, but she did not show up.
“The information we have so far is that she was fine all of yesterday but unfortunately, was found unresponsive this morning. The family has requested privacy at this difficult time. This is indeed a tragic development and I request us to be calm as we await more information,” Ageyo said.
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Raila Mourns Rita Tinina
Political leaders and journalists mourned the death of Rita Tinina.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the deceased had profound impact adding that her dedication to journalism left an indelible mark on Kenya’s media landscape.
“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,” Raila said.
His ODM party also joined the rest of the nation in mourning the death of Tinina.
The party said, “The media has lost one of the finest story tellers on television and an astute journalist who has left an indelible legacy.”
Tinina made a return to NMG in October 2023 after leaving the Standard Media Group Limited where she was a senior reporter at KTN News. She was 46 years old.
