President William Ruto has mourned the death of TV journalist Rita Tinina, terming her death a big loss to the media fraternity.

In a statement on Monday March 18, 2024, President Ruto condoled the family, friends and colleagues of Tinina.

“My sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Rita Tinina – a pioneer and a trailblazer in TV journalism.

“Rest In Peace, Rita,” President Ruto noted in a statement posted on X.

This was after the body of Rita Tinina was found on Sunday March 17, at her house in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.

Police are still investigating the cause of her death but preliminary reports indicate the NTV journalist suffered from epilepsy, and may have died due to epileptic seizures.

At the time of her death, she was living with her eight-year-old daughter.

Her body was moved to Umash Funeral Home, awaiting autopsy as police launched investigations to establish the cause of her death.

Meanwhile, Azimio leader Raila Odinga has also expressed his heartfelt condolences to Rita’s family.

“From her earliest days at NTV, Rita’s dedication to journalism left an indelible mark on Kenya’s media landscape. 

“Her passing leaves a void in the industry, yet her legacy of storytelling and integrity will endure,” Raila noted in a statement. 

Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has termed Rita a journalist of high esteem, adding that her death is a great loss to the country.

“My deepest condolences to the family, friends and workmates of Rita Tinina. 

“She was a journalist of high esteem; she told the stories of our nation with utmost grit and passion,” Gachagua posted on X.