- Wasonga was also the chairperson of the Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN).
- KJN said it was deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Wasonga.
Image: HANDOUT
Governor Anyang' Nyong'o and journalists from Kisumu have mourned Radio Africa Group reporter Dickens Wasonga.
Wasonga died on Friday morning after being involved in a grisly car accident in Mamboleo area.
Wasonga was also the chairperson of the Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN)
In a statement, KJN said it was deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Wasonga.
“Dickens was a dedicated team player who demonstrated exceptional integrity and professionalism in his work. Heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and the entire journalism fraternity mourning the loss of Dickens,” KJN said.
Nyong’o said he learned with deep shock and sorrow about the demise of the long serving journalist.
“Wasonga’s death in a ghastly road crash in Mamboleo this morning is devastating and a big blow to the media fraternity in Kenya. It comes just two months after Mr Wasonga was elected as the Chairman of the Kisumu Journalists Network. He was just settling down on the job,” he said.
He described Wasonga as a versatile and professional journalist known for writing investigative, balanced and informative stories.
He noted that Wasonga’s death comes barely four months after Kisumu lost a photojournalist, Tony Omondi.
“On behalf of the County Government of Kisumu, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family of Wasonga and the media fraternity in Kenya,” he said.
KJN elected Wasonga as its new chairman in November 2023.
Wasonga emerged as the winner following the bruising elections, where he garnered 47 votes while his closest contender Rushdie Oudia garnered 24 votes.
He had pledged to engage with the hospital insurance providers to ensure that Kisumu journalists are covered whenever they fall ill or get involved in any accident.
“It has always been that when any one of our members falls ill or is involved in any accident, we usually have no recourse but to depend on our pockets; thus, it’s my dream to pursue and actualize a group insurance cover for all our members to aid in case of any eventuality,” Wasonga said in his acceptance speech.
He also pledged to engage with relevant stakeholders towards ensuring the growth and expansion of KJN to have more members.