• Hillary Ng'weno was the first Kenyan to study at the famous Harvard University in the US where he studied Nuclear Physics.
• Uhuru described him as a distinguished Kenyan whose contribution to the growth of the country’s media industry shall be remembered for generations to come.
Image: COURTESY
President Uhuru Kenyatta has led Kenyans in mourning veteran journalist Hilary Boniface Ng’weno, who died on Wednesday evening after a long illness.
He described him as a distinguished Kenyan whose contribution to the growth of the country’s media industry shall be remembered for generations to come.
In his message of comfort and encouragement to family, friends and relatives of the media personality, Uhuru said Ng’weno was a devoted patriot who despite having many opportunities to work abroad, used his journalistic skills to enlighten Kenyans on the country’s political, social and economic issues.
“Hilary Ng’weno is a Kenyan household name because of his immense journalistic achievements as an editor, publisher, broadcaster and documentary film maker," Uhuru said, adding that Ng'weno had left behind a rich collection of journalist works.
“His documentary videos on Kenyan history have been a source of information on how our country has grown both politically, socially and economically over the decades. Indeed, his creative works have continued to inspire generations of Kenyans to work hard and achieve the best for our wonderful nation,” the President said.
The Head of State prayed to God to give the family of Ng'weno fortitude and strength to bear the loss of their beloved kin.
Deputy President William Ruto described Ng’weno as a journalist who pioneered robust, independent profound, and rich journalism that deepened the country’s nascent post-independence democracy and cast a brilliant spotlight on government and governance.
“And this is in large part a legacy of Hillary Boniface Ng'weno. Our history as well as our destiny will bear the bold marks of his proud accomplishments. Our strong and evolving democracy, the robust environment of freedom, and our media's implacable commitment to truth and independence enable Kenya to retain its vitality and invests our society with confidence about the future,” Ruto said.
The DP added that Ng'weno incubated a seemingly vast cohort of prodigious scribes, whose prolific contributions sustained freedom and accountability even during our country's most difficult times.
He also described him as the father of Kenyan journalism.
“Ng'weno's career began as a brilliant scribe, but he firmly established himself as a towering journalist and a historian of tremendous power.”
ODM leader Raila Odinga said Ng'weno was an outstanding student who became the first Kenyan to join the famous Harvard University in the US where he studied Nuclear Physics.
Raila said that after his studies in the US, Ng’weno returned to Kenya where he took part in fighting for press freedom.
“Hillary’s work played a leading role in promoting press freedom in Kenya and thus helping to expand the country’s democratic space. His example and mentorship paved the way for dozens of young journalists who have followed in his footsteps to bring us the news we so value today,” Raila said.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said that Ng’weno will be remembered as a pioneer in independent broadcasting.
“He was a journalist par excellence who greatly contributed to the growth of the Kenya journalism in every aspect. My condolences go to his family and friends. May he Rest in Peace.”