LIVE BLOG: Rita Tinina’s final journey
The late Rita Tinina Yiapan, a prolific Kenyan journalist with a career in media spanning decades is set to be buried on March 27, 2024. This follows her sudden death on March 17, 2024, a postmortem conducted days later revealed she passed away following a bout of pneumonia.
Nairobi News now follows her final journey ahead of her burial at her home in Olokirikirai in Narok County:
7:45 AM: Relatives and Friends attend a funeral service for the late Output Editor Rita Tinina at the Umash Funeral Home’s chapel in Nakuru before heading for the burial in Noosupeni Farm in Narok County/BONIFACE MWANGI
8:00 AM: The casket bearing the late Ms Tinina is being transported in a modified Range Rover hearse, with the wing doors open and leading an entourage of mourners in tens of vehicles to Narok.
During the requiem mass held on March 25, 2024, at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi’s CBD, Rita’s girl’s club nicknamed ‘Strong Pillars’ revealed that they had plans to go for a road trip using a Range Rover before her death but now intended to fulfil the vehicle promise by transporting her home in a Range Rover hearse.
8:39 AM: The late Rita Tinina was born on March 28, 1978, and will be buried a day before her 46th birthday.
9:00 AM: Rita’s hearse is underway to her final destination.
Relatives of the late NTV Output Editor Rita Tinina attend the funeral service at the Umash Funeral Home’s chapel in Nakuru before heading for the burial ceremony at Noosupeni Farm in Narok County/ BONIFACE MWANGI
10: 00 AM: Based on her LinkedIn activities, the late Rita Tinina had an interest in gender activism and universal access to education. This is evidenced by one of two top voices she followed on the platform, Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, a former executive director at UN Women and Ms Whitney Johnson, a ‘Disruption Advisor’ CEO who helps people grow their businesses through leadership development.
10:10 AM: The hearse is about to arrive in Narok.
10:53 AM: Preparations underway at Noosupeni Farm Olokirikirai ahead of the arrival of the hearse bearing the late Rita Tinina’s casket. Choirs can be seen warming up and preparing the songs they will lead as guests continue to stream in to the venue.
11:03 AM: Hearse bearing the body of the late Rita Tinina arrives at her family home in Olokirikirai, Narok County.
11:10 AM: The church service begins with prayers led by the presiding Catholic priest.
11:15 AM: Family representative kicks off the eulogy speeches by thanking everyone for standing with the family and for traveling far to come and lay Rita to rest.
11:17AM: Sammy, a relative to the Yiapan family says, “When we are born, we come as a gift to our parents and the world but there comes a time when we have to depart. Our sister Rita lived a life of honor. We want to thank you and appreciate your support.”
11:20AM: Susan, Dominic (Rita’s father), Veronica, Vincent, Mary, Lucy and Sophie- Rita’s family introduced to the congregants.
11:21 AM: Family tribute :Their world has been shattered by the loss of Rita, a doting mother whose world revolved around her daughter. “She was a woman of substance, integrity and indomitable spirit. She was a fixer, a trouble shooter and always willing to go the extra mile and lend a helping hand. Her dedication to her work was unparalleled and no task was too big for her. She was always a phone call away for everyone,” the family said in part through their representative.
“You have taken your place in heaven. We are jealous of the angels who now have the privilege of your company.”
WATCH the entire service here: