On Monday, March 18, 2024, Mr. Joe Ageyo, the Editor in Chief at Nation Media Group, expressed his condolences for Rita Tinina in a heartfelt message filled with fond memories of their friendship and professional collaboration. He described her as a gentle giant and revealed plans for Rita's return to television. She was set to make her debut on television again after joining NTV in October 2023.
“This week, Rita was supposed to finalize a special report which would have marked her on-air debut since rejoining NMG in October last year. She had also offered to help me put together a story I was working on,” revealed Mr Ageyo.
In his tribute message, he fondly recalled the moment he and Rita first crossed paths 23 years ago, marking the beginning of their journey together in the television industry. He emphasized how Rita made an indelible mark and left a profound impact on him.
“She embodied simplicity, kindness, grace, humility to an extraordinary degree, impeccable organization, unimpeachable integrity and rock-solid reliability. Despite her impressive professional achievements and profile, Rita kept her feet firmly on the ground and her life free of drama,” said Mr Ageyo.
He went on, “She was my ‘partner in crime’ as we covered the historic Kenyan cases at The Hague. Like a sponge, her brain soaked in tonnes of information- including the legal rigmarole of an international trial. When she finally came in front of the camera, she was pure class- no uh, um, no bla bla bla. No stuttering and no hesitation.”
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He disclosed that their friendship was close-knit, characterized by Rita addressing him by his seldom-used name, Onditi. In return, he affectionately referred to her as "Masai," pronounced with a deliberate heavy Luo accent, which always elicited laughter between them.
“So as we bid farewell to the earthly presence of this gentle soul, I chose to remember her, not for her thread in the tapestry of our lives, but as the vibrant hue that brought everything alight. Let us carry forward the legacy of her warmth and humanity, ensuring that her spirit continues to inspire us all. Rest in peace, Masai,” concluded Mr Ageyo.
Before her passing, Ms. Tinina served as a senior reporter at Standard Group's KTN before transitioning to a role behind the screens as an editor. This week would have marked her return to Kenyan screens.
