Former CNN Kenyan reporter Soni Methu dies on way to hospital
Former CNN Kenyan reporter Soni Methu is dead.
Soni died in Diani, Kwale County on Thursday evening on her way to the hospital after sudden illness.
According to her younger sister Faith, the former ‘Inside Africa’ show presenter cried that she was in pain at around 6pm, clutched her stomach then collapsed.
“She started looking like she was having a seizure and my sister-in-law rushed her to the hospital but she died on the way. We don’t know much but a postmortem will be done to tell exactly what happened,” wrote Faith.
Soni moved from CNN to China Global Television Network (CGTN) early 2016 after her former employer changed the format of the ‘Inside Africa’ show to have no presenter.
The IT alumnus of Strathmore University honed her career at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, starring in the drama ‘Hila’ and presenting ‘Taj Show’, a talk show.
She then became the East African correspondent for South Africa’s eNCA from where CNN tapped her in 2014.
Soni has been eulogized by the media fraternity as a warmhearted person.
“Woke up this morning wishing the news we received yesterday wasn’t true. The continent’s lost one of its greatest storytellers and warmest hearts: Soni Methu. From @eNCA to @CNN and @cgtnafrica she covered people’s stories with compassion and undying optimism. Rest in Power ✊?,” wrote former CGTN correspondent Vauldi Carelse.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing on of my good friend and former colleague Soni Methu last evening. May the lord grant yout soul eternal peace! RIPSoni!” Nick Oloo tweeted.
“Our girl Soni Methu!! So sad we loved how you represented Africa to the world,” Rose Nyabhate stated.
“R.I.P. Soni Methu!? I remember we were supposed to go do stories in the North West Africa. They never materialized!” Sam Mkenya wrote.