Two journalists from Radio Thome FM died in a road accident on Saturday, July 27, moments after attending the station’s anniversary event.
While confirming the death of Stephen Waigwa and Caroline Nyarwai, Radio Thome in a statement mourned the two young journalists who met their untimely demise traveling from the station’s four-year anniversary.
“Radio Thome FM is thrown into mourning after two presenters, namely Stephen Waigwa alias Stevoh Chifu and Caroline Nyarwai alias Carol Kams De Luciah, were confirmed dead in a fatal accident,” the statement read in part.
“This happened hours after Radio Thome FM’s birthday party celebrating 4 years of broadcast. May they rest in peace.”
It is reported that the accident happened around 7:00 PM in the Riandira area of Kirinyaga County.
About the Accident
The accident which left several others injured involved a motorcycle and a Toyota Probox on the Sagana-Makutano road in Kirinyaga County.
Speaking to the media, Mwea-west Sub- County police commander Rashid Ali said the accident occurred near Riandira when both the motorcycle and the car were headed towards Makutano.
Ali said the motorcycle was driven by a 21-year-old man while a pillion passenger was a 20-year-old woman (the journalists).
Upon reaching Riandira SDA church, the motorcyclist turned to the right while trying to join an interchange when he was knocked down by the probox.
The Police boss said the rider and his pillion passenger died on the spot as a result of the impact of the knockdown.
However, the woman driver and her passengers sustained various injuries and were taken to different hospitals by members of the public.
“The motor vehicle and the motorcycle were extensively damaged and were towed to Sagana police station awaiting inspection,” Ali said.
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Condolence Messages
The station’s listeners mourned the two journalists, sending their condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the departed.
In a Facebook post, a user named Githinja Wa Kirinyaga said, “So sad! Just a few minutes after Radio Thome 88.1 FM’s 4-year birthday, we have lost Stevoh Chifu and Carol Kams De Luciah through a road accident, young, energetic souls full of dreams and hope. Sending my sincere condolences to the family and friends. Kirinyaga youths, we have lost.”
Another user, Sammie Wa Marie, recalled how the two journalists made him feel loved, adding that he will always remember how they used to call him ‘our boss.’
“It’s sad you left. I remember you guys insisted to the director I be nominated as the brand director Thome FM na chairman wa fans. It was a great honor meeting you guys. Till we meet again, shine your way, guys. Radio Thome FM family, God knows why. Let’s take heart and trust in God,” Sammie said.
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Journalists Who Have Died in 2024
The two join the long list of journalists and media personalities who have died since the beginning of the year.
Among them is the late NTV journalist Rita Tinina, who was found dead at her home in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, on March 17, 2024.
Media personality MC Njambi ‘Jahmby’ Koikai died on June 3, 2024, just a month after The Standard Group journalist Shadrack Mitty died on May 29, 2024. Baraka FM broadcaster Sam Makenda also died on May 16 while receiving treatment at Machakos Hospital.
The Star newspaper journalist Dickens Wasonga died on January 26, 2024, while former Nation editor and business journalist Washington Akumu died on April 22, 2024.
Radio Thome
Radio Thome, also known as Thome FM, broadcasts on 88.1 MHz FM and is based in Kitui, Kenya. It broadcasts in three counties: Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni.
This station is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Kitui and operates out of the Kitui Pastoral Centre along Kalawa Road.
The station aims to reach a broad audience with messages of hope and inspiration, primarily broadcasting in Kamba and focusing on Christian content.
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