Veteran journalist Kitavi Mutua, a former Nation Media Group correspondent in Kitui, has died at the age of while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital. According to his family spokesperson, Faith Kithele, Mutua died on Friday after suffering a cardiac arrest. Medics attempted to resuscitate him three times before he passed away. Mutua had been battling an underlying condition, diabetes, which complicated his treatment.
Trouble started when Mutua was attacked by a venomous snake, identified as a red spitting cobra. He was initially admitted to Kitui County Referral Hospital, but was later transferred to Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital after not responding well to medication. His condition worsened, with his kidneys, liver, and lungs failing, and he spent two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit.
Mutua leaves behind a rich legacy in journalism, having written extensively on various topics including politics, climate action, health, devolution, and the snake menace in Kitui County. His dedication to journalism and his engaging writing style earned him recognition and respect from his peers and the community.
Tributes have been pouring in for Mutua, with colleagues and leaders mourning his loss. Standard Media Group reporter Phillip Muasya remembered Mutua as a consummate writer and a friend, saying, "A pen has fallen silent, but the stories you told and the legacy you leave behind will live on."
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua led the political class in mourning the journalist, fondly remembering his dedication to journalism and their engagements. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to Mutua's family, friends, and colleagues in the media fraternity.
Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu and former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu also paid tribute to Mutua, highlighting his role as a mentor and a friend. Kasalu credited Mutua with helping her understand the intricacies of communication and the relationship between politics and the media, while Ngilu remembered him as a distinguished journalist who built meaningful relationships across the community.
Kitui Speaker Kelvin Kinengo Katisya described Mutua as a "dear friend, a veteran journalist, and an exceptional son of Kitui County." He recalled their lifelong friendship, which began when Katisya was a young volunteer for the Wiper Party and Mutua was a dedicated journalist with the Nation Media Group.
Key points
- Mutua died on Friday at Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital due to complications from a snake bite and an underlying diabetes condition.
- Mutua was a veteran journalist who wrote extensively on various topics, including politics, climate action, and health.
- Tributes have been paid to Mutua by colleagues, leaders, and politicians, highlighting his legacy and impact on the media fraternity.
