Rita Tinina displayed grace! Journalists pour their tributes to fallen colleague

A few hours after Kenyans got the heart wrenching news of the death of NTV journalist Rita Tinina, members of the media family are pouring out their tributes.

In his X account, Former Citizen TV journalist and State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed has told of how when he was a young professional, Tinina showed up for him.

Caught in a moment that no journalist would ever want to be in, Hussein could not file his story as his equipment had failed.

Despite being a big name in the industry, he says Tinina displayed grace and professionalism by helping him.

"Rita bailed me out once during my time at Citizen TV, helping me file a story when our equipment failed at an EAC Heads of State Summit in Arusha during Kibaki’s presidency," Hussein tweeted.

"It was my first interaction with her, as she was already a household name in the media, while I was a rookie at the time. Nonetheless, she displayed grace then, as she always has. My condolences to friends and family."

In a similar tribute, Dennis Itumbi remembers Tinina for encouraging him to apply for a role at The Voice of America and helping him despite her being a bug personality.

"Safiri salama Rita Tinina. In journalism, you remain a great journalist. Despite representing major stations while I worked for smaller media houses, your humility stood out as we covered events together," he stated.

"You were a superb storyteller, and that made you stand out as a great journalist. Your stories will never fade. They are only a YouTube away. Journalists never die; they merely sign off. Rita Tinina, SALUTE!"

Eulogising Tinina, Former NTV journalist Dennis Onsarigo described her as a "gentle soul, meticulous, and such a huge team player".

He also recalled of the times he worked with her.

"When I joined Nation TV (NTV), I was deployed as Rita Tinana's cameraman before transitioning into a photojournalist. Life is as dramatic as death," he said.

Former NTV journalist Linda Oguttu attributed her growth to Tinina's support.

"I am who I am because I stood on her shoulders while at NTV. My T9. Go well my darling. Rita Tinina, the hand that held mine and never let go. I am broken....Rest mami," she said.

Former Citizen TV Hassan Mugambi has eulogised her as a humble and sincere journalist.

"May the Almighty Rest your soul in peace. A humble and sincere journalist always ready to pass on knowledge RIP RT," he said.

"This is such a great loss to the entire media fraternity. Sending our deepest condolences to her friends and family. RIP," the Kenya Editors Guild tweeted.

Sending his condolences to Tinina's family and friends, Journalist turned Politician Mohammed Ali said she was a remarkable professional and friend "who will be remembered for her exemplary work, hard work and determination and above all, her polite demeanour".

"May her soul rest in eternal peace and her legacy carried on."

Some are however still processing the shock following the news.

"There'll be time to eulogize you, my friend. For now, I am still digesting the shock," former BBC journalist Ferdinand Omondi.

"Rest in peace RT. This one hurt," Investigative journalist John-Allan Namu wrote.

NMG journalist James Smart, "Ms Roger has taken that final bow. What else to say?"

Tinina's body was found at her Kileleshwa apartment on Sunday after she failed to report to work.

Police are yet to establish the cause of her death.

Journalists trooped to her home following the discovery.

They included Citizen's Nimrod Taabu, NTV's Ken Mijungu, Lofty Matambo and Dennis Onsarigo among others.