Zubeida Kananu recalls her final assignment with Rita Tinina
President of the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) Zubeida Kananu fondly recalls her last assignment with the late renowned journalist Rita Tinina during a trip to Eldoret.
Ms Kananu revealed that during the assignment, they each bought a Maasai shuka, a decorative piece of cloth, which now serves as a treasured memento of their last moments together.
The revelation came to light on Wednesday 27 March 2024 during Ms Tinina’s funeral in Mau Narok, where she will be laid to rest.
The KTN News journalist and presenter had proudly worn the Maasai shuka, a symbol of the enduring bond between them.
Ms Tinina’s burial ceremony in Narok County is being attended by a host of political leaders, and respected journalists including Nation Media Group (NMG) Editor-in-Chief, Mr Joe Ageyo, Royal Media Services (RMS) Editorial Director, Mr Linus Kaikai, colleagues from various media houses and scores of other mourners.
The 46-year-old NTV senior reporter was remembered as a humble journalist who treated everyone with respect regardless of her vast experience and fame in the media industry.
In showering her with accolades, KEG president Ms Kananu said Rita Tinina, affectionately known as RT, had a genuine affection for all those she met.
“Despite her prominence in the media industry, she remained remarkably humble. She never had pride,” said Ms Kananu.
The KEG president, however, was overcome with emotion as she bid farewell to the media personality who mentored many journalists.
Rita Tinina, who joined NMG in September 2023 as an output producer for broadcast platforms, tragically passed away on Sunday, 17 March 2024.
Her absence from work raised concerns that led to the discovery of her untimely demise.
An autopsy conducted by the government pathologist, Peter Ndegwa, revealed that Tinina succumbed to severe pneumonia.
The deceased leaves behind an eight-year-old daughter and a partner, leaving a void in both her family and the journalism community.
Rita Tinina’s legacy as a compassionate and dedicated journalist will forever be remembered and cherished.