At the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi on Monday, March 25, 2024, friends, family, and members of the media community gathered for a memorial ceremony honoring journalist Rita Tinina.
Rita’s former and present media industry colleagues took advantage of the occasion to share recollections they had while working with her.
This comes after she passed away from severe pneumonia on March 17, 2024, at her Nairobi home.
The renowned television journalist was employed with Nation Media Group’s NTV at the time of her death, however, she had previously worked for several Kenyan TV stations.
Journalist Duncan Khaemba of NTV disclosed at the memorial service that Rita Tinina would be laid to rest one day ahead of her 46th birthday.
At the same time, Tinina was praised by Group Editorial Director of Royal Media Services Linus Kaikai for her unwavering emphasis on attaining the highest standards in the media.
Kakai described the late Tinina as a dependable and trustworthy journalist who consistently completed assignments ahead of schedule.
Rita was referred to as a gentle giant in journalism by Ken Mijungu of KTN, where she worked before joining NTV in October 2023.
“Rita’s journalistic prowess transcends headlines; it wove narratives that touched many hearts, challenged the norms, and sparked conversations,” Mijungu said.
Mijungu continued, “Tinina was known for finishing her tasks on time and for being a seeker of hidden stories.”
Furthermore, Olive Burrows of NTV recalled Tinina as a dependable teammate and a woman of few words.
“The extent of her influence is beyond comprehension,” Burrows remarked.
However, Tinina’s partner Robert Nagila recalled her kindness and attractiveness, claiming that’s what drew him to her.
“Your beauty, hearty laugh, and loving heart moved me when our paths first crossed. You were also the most stubborn person I have ever met, principled in your beliefs.
“Nina, last Sunday, your phone stopped ringing. Your passing has left a void that cannot be filled. but I am comforted by the fact that the memories of time spent will live on with us,” Nagila said.
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Hussein Mohamed, a former Citizen TV news anchor and spokesperson for the State House, paid tribute to Tinina, recalling how she taught him the basics of news story filing, which helped him establish his career.
Other journalists who were unable to speak at the memorial service took to social media to pay tribute to their colleague.
For example, Fridah Mwaka wrote on NTV about her final moments with Tinina.
Rita Tinina was praised as an extraordinary journalist by Joe Ageyo, her employer at NTV, who also taught many other journalists in the media.
Tinina, the accomplished journalist, has an eight-year-old kid. Nagila claimed to have loved the child dearly.
On Wednesday, March 27, she will be laid to rest at her family’s Noosupeni Farm Olokirikirai, Narok County, home.
