The media fraternity was hit hard by the deaths of several journalists last year. The cumulative loss the deaths robbed the sector cannot be quantified. It takes years and a lot of resources to train a journalist. Add this to the experience they gain on the job and the gap a single death leaves becomes clear.
Colleagues who left us were Mutegi Njau, whose last port of duty was at Royal Media Services where he co-hosted the breakfast show Cheche on Citizen TV. He had an illustrious career spanning decades, having worked for other media houses like Nation and KBC.
Washington Akumu was a former business journalist and editor with Nation Media Group. He left the organisation in 2014 and was pursuing a career in public relations until his demise. Wash, as he was known to his newsroom colleagues, will be remembered as one of the finest business journalists the industry has produced.
At the time of her death last March, Rita Tinina was working with Nation Media Group having rejoined the organisation after a stint at KTN. Tinina will be remembered for her knack for telling stories in a captivating manner.
Micheal Oyier began his career at the Standard Group, working as KTN’s prime time news anchor and presenter of the station’s Business Weekly programme. He also worked at Classic 105 and Kiss 100 radio stations. Oyier had great presence and was quite articulate.
Dickens Wesonga was involved in a fatal road accident on the Kisumu-Kakamega road. Before joining Radio Africa Group where he worked as a journalist with The Star newspaper, Wesonga worked with the Standard and Nation media organisations, among other engagements. He was the chairman of the Kisumu Journalists Network.
Njambi Koikai, popularly known as Jahmby, hosted reggae shows on radio stations like Metro and Q FM and was also a skilled MC. Her passing on June 3 left a gap not only in the media sector but also in the entertainment space.
Shadrack Mitty was a renowned reporter with the Standard Media Group. He launched his career at Nation’s QTV before joining KTN where he refined his passion for education matters. Mitty was a dedicated journalist who loved his job.
Mercy Mawia was a vernacular radio presenter who worked at Mbaitu FM. Those who knew her described her as a distinguished journalist who engaged effortlessly with her listeners. She was also a role model for young girls aspiring to join the industry.
Peter Okong’o was the Kenya Year Book editorial manager at the time of his passing. A man of few words, Okong’o previously worked at the Nation and Standard media houses as business editor, and his contributions to business journalism are well documented. Okong’o was also a mentor to many up-and-coming journalists, providing guidance and support.
Paul Muhoho was a well-known and respected court reporter working for the People Daily at the time of his death. Muhoho was a veteran in his field. He mentored many a journalist, showing especially the young ones the ropes of the trade. Unfortunately, cancer brought his illustrious career to a screeching halt.
Former Baraka FM presenter Samuel Makenda was among the pioneers of the Coast-based FM station where he hosted the political talk show, Chanja Maswala, that had considerable following. After serving at Baraka FM for seven years, Makenda left to pursue political and other interests.
Fatma Rajab, another Coast-based journalist, worked for Mo Radio. Before then she had worked for Radio Salaam. Rajab’s career was just beginning to bud. She was only 27 when she died.
The Kenya Editors Guild honoured the departed colleagues during their annual editors’ convention held in Nakuru last December. We join them in paying tribute to those gone before us. Their contributions to the industry will not be forgotten.
