rita-tinina-news

Opposition Leaders Clash At Rita Tinina’s Funeral Over ‘Fake Fertilizer’

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Dennis Elnino

Allegations of fake fertilizer caused confrontations between opposition and government representatives on Wednesday during the funeral of late NTV journalist Rita Tinina.

Leah Ntimama, the nominee for Narok MCA, brought up the subject during her remarks. She criticized the government for the reports and urged farmers to make sure they inspect the fertilizers before using them on their land.

Senator Enoch Wambua of Kitui took a cue and said that the government-distributed fertilizer contained donkey dung and powdered rocks.

“Those who followed proceedings in the Senate yesterday, we pronounced ourselves clearly on this matter. We want a government that is responsible and treats its farmers and the critical masses fairly.

“The truth of the matter is that the fertilizer is not fake because it is not fertilizer in the first place. It is rocks and donkey waste, and somebody must take responsibility for this,” he said.

Additionally, Ledama Ole Kina of Narok demanded responsibility and pleaded with God to severely punish those who seek damage to citizens.

The first rejoinder from the government side came from digital strategist Dennis Itumbi, who spoke next and said that the opposition was propagandizing.

He asserted that the fertilizer was real and claimed that the bumper crop was the cause of the drop in the price of maize flour.

However, some leaders like Emmanuel Taalam decided not to bring the issue up during the funeral, citing respect for the departed journalist and the family.

Emmanuel Talaam: I had assumed Rita Tinina would be my wife.

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Ozymandias

The late Rita Tinina, a revered journalist whose illustrious career spanned decades across multiple media outlets, was laid to rest on March 27, 2024, at her family residence in Noosupeni Farm Olokirikirai, Narok County.

Leaving behind a daughter, Mia Malaika, and her partner, Robert Nagila, also a member of the media fraternity, Rita was honored by family, friends, colleagues, and politicians, with messages of condolence extending even from State House.

In a heartfelt tribute, Mr. Emmanuel Talaam, the Press Secretary at State House, conveyed his condolences to the Yiapan family, reflecting on Rita’s exceptional character and professional legacy.

“As a friend of Rita’s and representing President William Ruto and the State House staff, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Rita’s family. We pray that they permit us to celebrate her remarkable life. Rita was a truly special person,” Mr. Talaam expressed.

He continued to praise Rita’s humility, professionalism, and her ability to separate personal views from her journalistic endeavors. In a lighthearted moment, he admitted to once considering her as a potential life partner, to which the congregation responded with gentle laughter.

Transitioning to President Ruto’s message, Mr. Talaam conveyed the president’s admiration for Rita’s journalistic prowess, emphasizing her commitment to telling impactful stories that resonated with audiences.

Following Mr. Talaam’s remarks, the congregants joined in singing the Swahili hymn, “Pamoja Na Wewe,” as a tribute to Rita’s memory.

State House aide Dennis Itumbi also offered his condolences, acknowledging Rita’s unparalleled storytelling abilities and her dedication to truth.

“We gather here to bid farewell to Rita, who, in her 46 years, achieved much, leaving an indelible mark in journalism. In honor of her memory, we pledge to support aspiring journalists,” Itumbi stated.

In a gesture of commitment, Itumbi offered internship opportunities to young individuals, symbolizing the continuation of Rita’s legacy within the journalism fraternity.

Robert Nagila, Rita Tinina’s partner, talks about their first encounter

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Ozymandias

Robert Nagila, the partner of the late journalist Rita Tinina, has shared a heartfelt tribute, emphasizing the legacy she has left behind.

Nagila spoke of the profound impact of Tinina’s passing, evident from the multitude of people present at the memorial service. He reflected on the past week, during which he encountered numerous tributes honoring Tinina’s remarkable character.

Recalling their initial meeting, Nagila reminisced about Tinina’s beauty, laughter, and warm heart, but also noted her unwavering stubbornness. “I shall miss you dearly, Mama Mia,” he expressed.

He acknowledged the irreplaceable void left by Tinina’s passing, emphasizing that her absence is deeply felt. Despite this, he found solace in the enduring memories they shared.

Addressing Mia Malaikah, their daughter, Nagila conveyed Tinina’s profound love and dedication as a mother. He assured Mia of the boundless love surrounding her and emphasized their commitment to her well-being.

Nagila extended gratitude to Tinina’s family, highlighting the immense respect she held for them and underscoring the centrality of family in her life. He also expressed appreciation to Tinina’s friends and colleagues in the media fraternity for their unwavering support.

As they prepared to lay Tinina to rest, Nagila urged everyone to celebrate her life. Despite the somber occasion, he emphasized the importance of cherishing Tinina’s memory and honoring her legacy.

“It is my prayer as we travel to Narok, and I say this with a heavy heart, a final farewell that we all go to celebrate her life,” Nagila concluded.

Rita Tinina’s burial is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, at the family’s residence in Narok, Noosupeni Farm Olokirikirai. She was the beloved daughter of the late Dominic and the late Mary Yiapan, mother of Mia Malaikah, and loving partner of Robert Nagila. Tinina was also cherished as a sister-in-law and a beloved sister to several family members.

Rita Tinina needs to be freed because she won’t be able to find peace if we don’t—Zubeidah Kananu

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Ozymandias

At the funeral service for the late journalist Rita Tinina, Zubeidah Kananu, President of the Kenya Editors Guild, delivered a deeply moving tribute on Wednesday.

Struggling to contain her emotions, Zubeidah spoke with a voice heavy with sorrow, breaking the solemn silence of the gathering and stirring many to tears.

With each word trembling under the weight of grief, she expressed the profound pain felt by the journalistic community at the loss of Rita.

“It’s a deep wound. Rita was one of us, and her passing has left us profoundly saddened. It’s a wound that cuts deep,” Zubeidah lamented.

Clad in a white dress adorned with a red Maasai shuka, Zubeidah shared that she acquired the shuka during her last assignment with Rita.

In her tribute, Zubeidah painted a portrait of Rita as a person who shunned conflict, never boasted, and treated everyone with respect.

While acknowledging the human impulse to question God’s ways, Zubeidah emphasized the flawlessness of divine providence.

“We may be tempted to question God’s plan at times, but we must also trust in His perfect wisdom,” she reflected.

However, Zubeida urged the mourners to release Rita’s spirit to find eternal peace.

“We pray for God to grant her soul eternal rest. We must release her, for if we hold on, she will not find peace. God has promised to prepare a place for us,” she added.

Drawing from her own experience of losing her mother, Zubeida likened Rita’s sudden death to the unpredictable cycles of sunrise and sunset.

“I’ve come to understand that death is like the rhythm of the sun, rising and setting. We never know when our time will come,” she remarked.

In conclusion, Zubeida urged everyone to reflect on the lessons from Rita’s life and strive to emulate her virtues.

Journalist Rita Tinina of NTV will be laid to rest today

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Ozymandias

Today, NTV Journalist Rita Tinina will be laid to rest at her parents’ home in Noosupeni Farm, Olokirikirai.

A death and funeral announcement published by The Star revealed that Rita was the beloved daughter of the late Dominic and the late Mary Yiapan.

“She was the mother of Mia Malaikah and the loving partner of Robert Nagila,” the announcement read.

Rita was also deeply cherished as a sister-in-law by Timothy, Roshen, Belmont, Agnes, and Macharia.

She was a beloved sister to Helen, Irene, Justine, Jedidah, Keen, and Claudia.

A memorial mass for the late NTV Journalist was held on Monday at the Holy Family Basilica.

Rita was discovered deceased at her residence in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, on Sunday, March 17th, 2024.

Although she was expected to be at work at NTV, where she was employed, she did not show up. Concerned by her absence, NTV management visited her house and found her deceased.

According to the autopsy results conducted by government Pathologist Peter Ndegwa on March 19, 2024, at the Umash Funeral Home, Rita’s death was attributed to severe pneumonia.

“The pathologist has conducted the postmortem and concluded that Rita died from severe pneumonia,” he stated.

Family spokesperson Timothy Njaga also confirmed the same, stating that they are satisfied with the results.

Politicians and members of the media community pay a heartfelt homage to Rita Tinina

Posted on March 18, 2024 by Ozymandias

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has expressed her heartfelt condolences following the unexpected passing of renowned NTV journalist Rita Tinina, which has deeply saddened the media community.

Rita was discovered deceased at her residence in Kileleshwa on Sunday, March 17, afternoon, prompting an outpouring of grief and disbelief among colleagues and acquaintances.

Tributes from across the nation have highlighted Rita’s significant contributions to journalism and her unwavering professionalism.

Through her platform on X, Passaris conveyed her condolences, reflecting on Rita’s impactful career, stating:

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Rita Tinina, whose voice resonated across Kenya. Her professionalism and dedication to journalism will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and the entire media fraternity.”

The Nation Media Group, Rita’s employer, officially confirmed the tragic news on March 17, with Group Editorial Director Joe Ageyo addressing the loss and urging calm as investigations unfold.

“This morning, we received the heartbreaking news of the passing of our colleague Rita Tinina at her residence. She was expected to be at work today but did not show up. The information available so far indicates that she was fine throughout yesterday but was found unresponsive this morning. The family has requested privacy during this challenging time. This is indeed a tragic development, and I urge everyone to remain calm as we await further information.”

Politicians and fellow journalists also shared their condolences, underscoring Rita’s profound impact on the media landscape.

Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga expressed her sorrow, stating: “The news of Rita Tinina’s passing is truly heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.”

Dennis Itumbi paid tribute to Rita’s legacy as a journalist, saying: “Safe travels, Rita Tinina. In the field of journalism, you will always be remembered as a great journalist. Despite working for major stations while I was with smaller media houses, your humility always stood out whenever we covered events together.”

Described as a remarkable individual by her industry peers, Rita’s legacy extends beyond her professional accomplishments, leaving a lasting impact on those she worked with.

Journalist Lindah Oguttu penned an emotional tribute on X, reminiscing about Rita’s pivotal role in her own career journey.

“I owe much of my success to Rita Tinina during our time together at NTV. She was a mentor and a dear friend. Rest in peace, my dear Rita. Your kindness and guidance will always be cherished,” Oguttu shared.

Former K24 journalist Eric Njoka expressed disbelief at the news, stating, “Oh my, Rita Tinina! This is unbelievable if it’s true. I’m deeply shaken.”

Sports journalist Carol Radull expressed her sadness at the loss, saying, “This is incredibly sad. Rest in peace, Rita Tinina.”

Citizen TV’s Lilian Muli mourned the loss of her colleague, recalling Rita’s exceptional talent and professionalism.

“Rita Tinina was one of the best human interest journalists of our time. Her reporting was impeccable, and her versatility unmatched. We have lost a true gem in the media industry. May she rest in peace,” Muli lamented.

Even from the highest echelons of power, Rita’s influence was felt.

Hussein Mohamed, State House Spokesperson, shared a touching memory of Rita’s kindness during his early days in journalism.

“Rita once helped me file a story when our equipment failed at an EAC Heads of State Summit in Arusha during President Kibaki’s tenure. It was my first interaction with her, and she displayed grace and professionalism, despite my rookie status. My heartfelt condolences to her loved ones,” Mohamed shared.