The media fraternity in Kenya is mourning the loss of veteran journalist Kitavi Mutua, who passed away on October 30, 2026, at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) in Nairobi. Mutua, a renowned print journalist based in Kitui, had been battling injuries sustained in a snake attack for about two weeks. His death has sent shockwaves throughout the country, with colleagues and political leaders paying tribute to his contributions to journalism.
Kitavi Mutua was a respected journalist who worked for the Daily Nation and was known for his in-depth reporting on various issues affecting the community. His colleagues have described him as a friendly, seasoned, and disciplined writer whose stories will remain part of his legacy. Mutua's passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across the country, with many acknowledging his impact on the media fraternity.
Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, a close friend of the deceased, expressed shock and sadness at Mutua's passing. He recalled his interactions with Mutua's family since the snake attack and described him as a great guy and a super writer. Mutua's death has been described as a significant loss to journalism in the region and beyond.
Other leaders who have paid tribute to Kitavi Mutua include former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kevin Kinengo, and Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu. They have described Mutua as a towering media icon whose contribution to public interest journalism has left a permanent mark. Ngilu noted that Mutua was a distinguished journalist who established strategic relationships across various spheres of the community.
Veteran journalist and news editor Martin Masai, who worked with Mutua, expressed devastation at his passing. Masai noted that Mutua had written extensively on snake bites and had fallen victim to a snake attack himself. He described Mutua as a great journalist and a friend who will be missed.
Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu remembered Mutua as a friend, generous mentor, and professional who was always willing to help others. She noted that his death was not only a loss to his family but also to the media fraternity in the region. Hundreds of Mutua's colleagues have taken to social media to mourn him, with many sharing tributes to his contributions to journalism.
The Standard Group's Philip Muasya, former Daily Nation senior reporter Ibrahim Oruko, and The Star's Cyrus Ombati were among those who paid tribute to Mutua on social media. They described him as a friendly, seasoned, and disciplined writer whose stories will remain part of his legacy. Muasya noted that Mutua's departure leaves a void that words can hardly describe and that the media space will miss him.
Key points
- Kitavi Mutua, a veteran journalist, passed away on October 30, 2026, after a short illness.
- Mutua died at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital's ICU, where he had been battling injuries sustained in a snake attack.
- Colleagues and leaders have paid tribute to Mutua's contributions to journalism, describing him as a towering media icon.
