Family, friends, and colleagues of the late journalist Rita Tinina gathered to pay their respects, eulogizing her as a gentle soul with a welcoming spirit.
During the requiem mass for Tinina, Former Cabinet Minister Fred Gumo delivered a heartfelt tribute during the requiem mass for the late Rita Tinina, shedding light on her plans to marry prominent TV journalist Robert Nagila.
Gumo, who is Nagila’s uncle, told mourners that he was looking forward to the joyful day.
Referring to Robert as Bob, Gumo fondly recalled their conversations, where Rita reassured him that the awaited day was drawing near, each encounter filled with hope and excitement.
“When I heard this news I was a way in Kitale. I was surprised because it came as a shock, I didn’t believe it because I knew Rita and each time I met her, I asked her when this joyful day is coming,” Gumo said.
“She kept on telling me Mheshimiwa don’t worry the day will come,” he added.
The veteran politician described Nagila’s father as his cousin and close friend.
“Bob as you have been told, is like my son. His father was my cousin and we were also very close friends,” he added.
Gumo said it was God’s wish that Rita would rest before the big day that she kept promising him.
“I don’t know that the day that was coming was this particular day which is sad and that which I didn’t want to come to, but it is all God’s wish and as you all know, when God wants you, you will have to go,” he told mourners.
During the requiem mass , NTV journalist Olive Burrows, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed their profound grief and shock at Tinina’s sudden passing.
“You have left us in darkness,” the family conveyed in their statement.
Described as soft-spoken and attentive, Tinina was known to patiently listen to everyone she encountered, regardless of their background.
“We thought of you as our own, but countless tributes have poured in, each sharing their personal interactions with Rita,” the tribute stated.
From the fuel attendant at the petrol station to the watchman, Tinina touched lives indiscriminately, embodying a spirit of inclusivity.
Tinina was also hailed as a mentor to younger journalists, with many attributing their success to her guidance.
“The media fraternity has lost a towering figure; she will be deeply missed,” the eulogy concluded.
In their closing remarks, the family encouraged Kenyans to reflect on their own legacies, asking, “If your tomorrow never comes, who will remember you and how will you be remembered?”
Tinina’s funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27 in Olokirikirai, Narok County.
A postmortem revealed that Tinina succumbed to severe pneumonia, a result that brought closure to the family.
“We witnessed the postmortem conducted by Dr. Ndegwa and our family pathologist. The results confirm that Rita passed away due to severe pneumonia,” stated family spokesperson Timothy Njaga.
Notable figures present at the requiem mass included colleagues Dan Mwangi and Joe Ageyo, ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, Editorial Director of Royal Media Services/Citizen TV Kenya Linus Laikai, Linda Oguttu, and Ken Mijungu.
