In a heartfelt tribute to his late colleague, Nation Media Group Editor-in-Chief Joe Ageyo reminisced about Rita Tinina’s remarkable journey and the profound impact on the society.
Ageyo’s recollection of Rita’s character paints a portrait of a journalist who embodied simplicity, kindness, and unwavering integrity.
“She embodied simplicity, kindness, grace, humility to an extraordinary degree, impeccable organization, unimpeachable integrity and rock-solid reliability,” he said.
Their paths first crossed over two decades ago, both striving to carve their niche in the television industry.
Despite her towering professional stature, Tinina remained grounded, eschewing drama and office politics while approaching each task with enthusiasm and purpose.
Their professional journey together witnessed Tinina’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
As they covered historic Kenyan cases at The Hague, Ageyo witnessed her remarkable ability to grasp vast volumes of information effortlessly.
Tinina’s on-camera presence was described as pure class, with a natural demeanor that required no teleprompter to navigate complex narratives.
Transitioning to NTV’s County Edition, Tinina’s adaptability shone as she seamlessly reported from every corner of the county with unparalleled detail.
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Even in unfamiliar territories, she exuded a familiarity that belied her true origins.
Rita Tinina’s Sense of Humor
Ageyo fondly recounted a humorous moment in Kisumu when Tinina struggled to pronounce a local term, showcasing her humility and ability to find joy amidst challenges.
Tinina’s multifaceted skills extended beyond reporting, earning her the nickname ‘editor’ for her proficiency in video editing—a rarity among TV journalists at the time.
Ageyo noted her impeccable sense of fashion, which effortlessly complemented her on-screen presence, contrasting with his own wardrobe inadequacies.
Their professional relationship was punctuated by lighthearted banter, with Ageyo recalling Tinina’s organizational prowess encapsulated in her “4Ps” mantra—proper planning prevents problems.
Her meticulous approach to work and readiness to step in whenever needed made her an invaluable asset, whether in anchoring or editing roles.
When Ageyo transitioned to KTN as Managing Editor, Rita’s unwavering support was invaluable.
Without hesitation and bargaining for a salary, she joined his team, contributing to groundbreaking journalism and the launch of a news channel.
“When I left NTV for KTN in 2012, to become a Managing Editor for the first time, I needed a dependable team. With just a few months to a transition election, I had to get a plug-and-play ‘A’ squad. Rita was top on my list.
When I requested to her to come and help me on my mission, she never hesitated, never argued and never bargained for her salary, ‘just get me a good deal’, she said, and a few days later she resigned and came on board,” he said.
Together, they navigated critical junctures in Kenya’s journalism landscape, culminating in the launch of a news channel where Tinina played a central role.
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Reflecting on more recent endeavors, Ageyo shared Tinina’s anticipation of an upcoming on-air debut, marking her return to NMG after a brief hiatus.
Rita Tinina’s Passion for Wildlife Stories
Her eagerness to contribute to meaningful stories reflected her passion for journalism, particularly narratives centered on the environment and wildlife.
“Rita loved stories about the environment, nature and especially, animals – wild or domestic. In fact, one of the stories that gave her the most satisfaction was when she traced a bunch of cats that had been left on their own following the death of Starehe Boys’ Centre founder, Geoffrey Griffins, in 2005,” recounts Ageyo.
In closing, Ageyo honored Tinina’s legacy as a beacon of warmth and humanity, urging others to carry forward her spirit of inspiration.
As the journalism community bids farewell to this gentle soul, Ageyo encouraged remembrance not merely as a thread in life’s tapestry but as the vibrant hue that illuminated their shared journey.
