Celebrated NTV journalist Rita Tinina was discovered dead on Sunday 17th March at her Brooklyn apartment in Kileleshwa, Nairobi aged 46 years old.
The news of her sudden demise has thrown the country, particularly the media industry, in a state of mourning, with a vast majority describing the woman as a trailblazer.
Ms Tinina was reportedly found unconscious in her bedroom on Sunday morning when her house help went to wake her up for breakfast. According to a police report, she had epilepsy and passed away in her sleep.
According to the deceased’s sister, Helen Silau Njaga, Rita Tinina had been suffering from a severe fever for the past five days. She confirmed the police report’s account that Rita was found unconscious on her bed.
Upon learning about her unconscious sister, Silau quickly rushed to her apartment only to find Ms Tinina unresponsive. She immediately called for paramedic assistance.
Journalist Rita Tinina found dead in her Kileleshwa home
The paramedics arrived and unfortunately confirmed that Rita Tinina had passed away. She leaves behind an eight-year-old daughter, with whom she was living at the time of her death.
“She was suffering from epilepsy and had a five-day-old severe fever, according to her health history as was given by her sister…No physical injuries found on the body,” read the police report.
On Sunday morning, it was said that Ms. Tinina was supposed to report to work but couldn’t make it, leading her colleagues to begin searching for her. She held the position of Output Producer, Broadcast Platforms at NMG.
Opposition leader and AU presidential candidate Raila Odinga has eulogized Rita Tinina as having left a void in the media industry. President Ruto said that she was a pioneer and trailblazer in TV journalism.
“Her passing leaves a void in the industry, yet her legacy of storytelling and integrity will endure,” said Raila Odinga.
“My sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Rita Tinina – a pioneer and a trailblazer in TV journalism. Rest in Peace, Rita,” President Ruto wrote on X.
Rita Tinina will be remembered for her in-depth coverage of the 6 Kenyans who faced trials at ICC in Hague, Netherlands for their roles in the 07-08 PEV that claimed more than 1,133 lives and displaced more than 650,000 people.
She also brought to light the story of the Yaku Community, living in Laikipia, who are dwindling in numbers and face the threat of extinction.
