Veteran TV journalist Rita Tinina, who passed away last Sunday, will be buried at her family home at Noosupeni Farm Olokirikirai, Narok County on Wednesday, March 27.A requiem mass in honour of the deceased will be at the Holy Family Basilica on Monday, March 25, ahead of her planned interment.
“Funeral arrangement meetings are being held at the All Saint’s Cathedral from 5.30pm, Requiem Mass will be held at Holy Family Basilica on 25th March 2024 from 10.00am,” her obituary reads in part.”The cortege leaves Umash Funeral Home Nakuru on 27th March 2024 at 7.00am for the funeral Service and burial at their home, Noosupeni Farm Olokirikirai, Narok County starting at 10.00am.”
Rita has left behind her daughter, Mia Malaikah and partner Robert Nagila.”She was the beloved daughter of the late Dominic and late Mary Yiapan. Devoted mother of Mia Malaikah and loving partner of Robert Nagila,” the obituary reads.
“She illuminated the lives of her grand niece and nephew Skylar and Shaqiri, with boundless love and affection. Rita’s warmth and kindness touched the lives of many as a niece, cousin, friend, colleague and journalist.”A postmortem conducted on the deceased on Tuesday revealed that she died of severe pneumonia.
According to family spokesperson Timothy Njaga, the postmortem was conducted by government pathologist Peter Ndegwa and family pathologist Dr Michaka. The deceased’s family noted that they were satisfied with the results, and asked to be accorded privacy to mourn Rita.
The scribe, who worked as an Output Producer for Broadcast platforms at the Nation Media Group was found unresponsive in her Kileleshwa house on March 17, 2024.Rita, 46, was said to have been fine a day before but failed to report to work on Sunday.
Rita Tinina, a prominent journalist whose work illuminated the stories of her community, will be laid to rest next week on Wednesday at her family home in Narok County. Her passing marks the end of an era for journalism and a profound loss for her family, colleagues, and the communities she served. In this essay, we will explore Rita Tinina’s legacy, her contributions to journalism, and the significance of her final resting place in Narok County.
Rita Tinina was more than just a journalist; she was a storyteller, a voice for the voiceless, and a champion of truth. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to shining a light on issues that often went unnoticed, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and holding those in power accountable. Her commitment to journalism was not just a profession but a calling—a calling to seek out the truth, to give a voice to the silenced, and to make a difference in the world.
Born and raised in Narok County, Rita Tinina’s connection to her community ran deep. She understood the struggles, the triumphs, and the complexities of life in Narok County, and she was determined to share those stories with the world.
Whether it was uncovering corruption in local government, highlighting the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, or shedding light on cultural traditions, Rita Tinina’s reporting was always rooted in a deep sense of empathy and compassion for her community.
Throughout her career, Rita Tinina faced numerous challenges and obstacles, from threats of violence to censorship and intimidation. Yet, she remained steadfast in her commitment to truth and integrity, refusing to be silenced or deterred by those who sought to suppress her voice. Her courage and resilience inspired not only her colleagues but also countless aspiring journalists who looked up to her as a role model and mentor.
In addition to her journalistic endeavors, Rita Tinina was also deeply involved in her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local initiatives and uplift those in need. Whether it was organizing fundraisers for schools, advocating for better healthcare facilities, or providing mentorship to young girls, Rita Tinina’s impact extended far beyond the pages of the newspapers she wrote for.
As we prepare to say goodbye to Rita Tinina, it is fitting that she will be laid to rest in her beloved Narok County, surrounded by the land and the people she loved. Narok County was not just her home; it was the source of inspiration for much of her work, the backdrop against which her stories unfolded, and the foundation of her identity as a journalist and a storyteller.
Her final resting place in Narok County serves as a poignant reminder of the bond between journalists and the communities they serve. It is a testament to the deep connection Rita Tinina had with her roots, her culture, and her people—a connection that informed her reporting and fueled her passion for social justice.
But Rita Tinina’s legacy extends far beyond the borders of Narok County. Her courage, her integrity, and her unwavering commitment to truth serve as an inspiration to journalists everywhere, reminding us of the power of storytelling to effect change and make a difference in the world.
In an age where journalism is under threat from misinformation, censorship, and attacks on press freedom, Rita Tinina’s life and work stand as a beacon of hope and resilience. Her dedication to truth and her fearlessness in the face of adversity serve as a reminder that journalism is not just a profession but a sacred duty—a duty to seek out the truth, to hold power to account, and to give voice to the voiceless.
As we bid farewell to Rita Tinina, let us remember her not only for her accomplishments as a journalist but also for the kindness, compassion, and humanity she brought to everything she did. Let us honor her memory by continuing the work she started, by standing up for truth and justice, and by never backing down in the face of oppression or injustice.
In the end, Rita Tinina’s legacy will endure, not just in the stories she told or the awards she won but in the lives she touched and the hearts she inspired. And as we lay her to rest in her beloved Narok County, let us take comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in the hearts of all those who were privileged to know her and to be touched by her work.
Rita Tinina’s impact on journalism and her community was profound and far-reaching. Through her reporting, she not only informed and educated her audience but also sparked conversations, drove social change, and empowered individuals to take action. Her fearless pursuit of truth and justice set a standard for journalistic integrity that will continue to inspire future generations of journalists.
In the ever-evolving landscape of media and communication, Rita Tinina remained a steadfast advocate for ethical journalism, refusing to compromise her principles in the face of pressure or adversity. She understood the importance of independent journalism as a cornerstone of democracy, and she fought tirelessly to defend press freedom and the rights of journalists to report without fear of retribution.
Rita Tinina’s legacy also extends to her impact on the representation of women in journalism. As a trailblazer in a male-dominated field, she shattered stereotypes and paved the way for other women to pursue careers in media. Her success served as a beacon of hope for aspiring female journalists, demonstrating that gender is not a barrier to achievement in the world of journalism.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rita Tinina will be remembered for her warmth, her generosity, and her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. She touched the lives of countless individuals with her kindness and compassion, leaving behind a legacy of love and empathy that will endure long after her passing.
As we gather to bid farewell to Rita Tinina and lay her to rest in her family home in Narok County, let us not mourn her loss but celebrate her life and the indelible mark she left on the world. Let us honor her memory by continuing the work she started, by upholding the values she held dear, and by striving to make a difference in our own communities, just as she did in hers.
In the quiet hills of Narok County, where the wind whispers through the grass and the sun sets in a blaze of colors, Rita Tinina will find her final resting place—a place of peace, tranquility, and eternal beauty. And though she may no longer walk among us, her spirit will live on in the stories she told, the lives she touched, and the hearts she inspired.
Rita Tinina may be gone, but her legacy will endure, a testament to the power of journalism to change the world and the enduring impact of one woman’s courage, compassion, and commitment to truth.
