Ex-KTN Anchor Michael Oyier's Family Pleads Kenyans For Financial Help

The family of the late former KTN News anchor, Michael Oyier is pleading with members of the public for financial help to cover his medical expenses and facilitating his final send-off.

Oyier, a distinguished figure in Kenya's media industry, passed away on Saturday, April 20 after suffering a stroke earlier in the week.

In a statement seen by Viral Tea, the family fondly recalled Oyier's career in media which began with contributions to local newspapers before later transitioning to broadcast media, where he honed his skills in investigative reporting and feature writing, eventually joining television until he left in 2012.

The late Michael Oyier with Kirinyaga County Chief of Staff Rita Nemayian Oyier. /INSTAGRAM.RITA OYIER

"We honour his exceptional skills in journalism and the significant impact he had on the media industry. Michael was a devoted husband to Dinah Oyier, and a loving father to eight children, and a beloved brother to his siblings and their families," the statement read in part.

According to burial details by the organising committee, Oyier will be laid to rest on Friday, May 3 in Homa Bay County after a funeral service in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 1, at the All Saints Cathedral starting at 12 pm.

Those wishing to support his family financially to cater for the send-off during this challenging time are invited to a special fundraiser and tribute event on Tuesday, April 30, at All Saints Cathedral from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

"Your contributions will go a long way in covering Michael's medical expenses and ensuring he gets a befitting send-off.

"To contribute use the Paybill No: 423 00 00 Account Number [Your Name] or send money via M-Pesa to +254 115 518 333 (Edwin Mumba)," added the statement.

The daily fellowship has been ongoing since Monday at Elina Residences, Kileleshwa Wing B, rooftop between 5.30 pm to 7 pm. The committee added that the daily fellowship will continue until Friday, April 26, 2024.

An online platform https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/iiEWdqpT was also created for Kenyans to post their tributes.

Oyier, born in 1975 to the late Alfred and Linet Oyier, was the second-born son among five siblings.

The seasoned journalist worked as an anchor and presenter at Standard Group where he joined in 2002 and served for nine years before exiting in 2012.

While at Standard Group, he also joined the editorial department where he wrote several pieces while similarly working as a new anchor.

Oyier was a multi-faceted professional with extensive experience across executive coaching, leadership development, broadcast media, public speaking, and counselling psychology.

He boasted of a background in counselling psychology, including a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Management, a field he practised from 2007 until his death.

Poster of the fundraiser, memorial service and burial of the late former KTN News anchor, Michael Oyier. /HANDOUT