Radio Africa Group reporter Dickens Wasonga has been eulogized as visionary and steadfast for his work which touched the lives of many.
Family, relatives and colleagues described Wasonga as a loving, truthful and bold person who will always protect his family, friends and colleagues.
During a requiem mass at St Stephen's Cathedral ACK in Milimani on Thursday, Nyakach MP Aduma said the Kisumu-based Star reporter was a dedicated and talented journalist.
“I knew Wasonga while I was working in Bondo, Siaya county. He was still a young man,” he said.
He died in a road accident at Mamboleo flyover on the Kisumu-Kakamega road on January 26.
Wasonga left behind a wife Florence Koki and two children, Kate Mumbe Ochieng and Victor Ochieng. He will be buried at Olago Kamkwaya in Bondo, Siaya county on Friday.
Until his death, he was the chairman of the Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) having been elected in November 2023.
Koki said Wasonga was her best friend and rock.
“When I got upset he always stayed calm. When I was worried he comforted me saying it would be okay. When I was not sure of what to do, he figured out a solution,” she said.
Most importantly, she said they were blessed with the most amazing two children in the world.
“He was completely dedicated to his children in every way. Like any other marriage, we had challenges and problems but solving them was magical,” Koki said.
She added;
“I know how lucky I have been. As I put the love of my life to rest, I buried only his body. But his undying spirit, his soul, his amazing ability to give remain with me.”
Kisumu city manager Abala Wanga also eulogized Wasonga as a journalist who highly valued professionalism and committed to his work.
“He was my personal friend and my media advisor for two years. Some of the articles he wrote shaped the narrative on the reorganization of the City,” Wanga said.
Wasonga, he said, loved and respected his family.
“He was a valued person who consistently demonstrated his professionalism in his coverage of news earning him the respect and admiration of his peers,” Wanga said.
Nation media senior political reporter Justus Ochieng said Wasonga was a go-getter, steadfast and brave.
“He could not waver an inch. He was a straight talker - very resolute,” he said.
Wasonga led KJN with zeal, commitment, and passion.
Ochieng said Wasonga dedicated his life to mentoring young journalists and improving their welfare.
“He was a visionary leader who was convinced that we were better and more productive if we stayed united,” he said.
Ocheing added:
“Your flower may have been cut short but the spirit of resilience, love, friendship, comradeship, respect, honesty, and leadership that you bred will continue to blossom through the Network you have helped strengthen.”
Wasonga, he said, left a legacy of incredible leadership acumen, passion for excellence in the media industry, mentorship and friendship.
Before joining Radio Africa, he worked with African Press International, Nation Media, Standard and Nyanza Week Newspaper.
Ochieng said he had the spirit of a lion and was a real fighter who would never surrender.
