President William Ruto has eulogized NTV Journalist Rita Tinina as an excellent journalist and storyteller.
In a statement read by the Press Secretary for the Presidential Communication Service, Emmanuel Tallam at Tinina’s burial ceremony, the president described Tinina as a passionate media professional who did her work with commitment.
“Rarely do we get to excellence in any profession, but Rita did. She was fantastic. To her, journalism wasn’t just a job or career, she always did her homework,” Ruto said.
The president further said that he would remember Tinina as an excellent storyteller who told the stories that mattered.
“She added depth to her stories and this could be seen in her reporting on TV. She told stories that lived beyond individuals, real stories about the impact of policy on the people, stories of triumph and loss. She was a master narrator, a storyteller par excellence,” the president said outlining the journalist’s storytelling skills.
He lauded the journalist’s dedication to producing impactful stories which he says will inspire young girls to pursue journalism and work hard.
Ruto finally consoled the family encouraging them through a passage of the scripture in Psalms.
“The Lord is close to the heartbroken and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Rita Tinina died in her sleep on Sunday, March 17.
Police said that the journalist was found dead in her room by her housegirl.
She was supposed to be on duty at NTV where she worked as an Output Producer but failed to report.
This prompted the managers at her place of work to send her colleague to the house where the body was found.
The house girl told police she woke up as usual and went on with her chores but realized Tinina was not awake as earlier planned.
Tinina was to wake up by 8 am and prepare for work as she was to produce the 1 pm bulletin.
But she had not woken up by 9 am, prompting the household to knock at her bedroom with no response.
President Ruto joins other leaders from within and outside government who have condoled with the family of the journalist.
