Suffered From Epilepsy- Police Reveal New Details On Death Of NTV's Rita Tinina

The late Nation Media Group (NMG) journalist, Rita Tinina was epileptic and had a five-day-old fever before her demise on Sunday, March 17.

This is according to a police report seen by Viral Tea filed at the Kileleshwa Police Station which revealed that her sister found the 46-year-old renowned journalist unconscious in her bedroom.

The sister had received a phone call from one of Tinina's colleagues informing her that the deceased was found unconscious on her bed inside her bedroom in her house in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.

"On arrival at the scene, the sister called in the assistance of emergency medical services whereby the paramedics confirmed that the body was already lifeless," the report read in part.

It further stated that the late Tinina was living with her 8-year-old daughter and a househelp.

Furthermore, the deceased was suffering from epilepsy and had a severe fever that lasted five days, according to her health history provided to police by her sister.

Police added that no physical injuries were found on the body which was moved to Umash Funeral Home in Nairobi. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kilimani took over the case.

Earlier, Viral Tea reported that Tinina was meant to be on duty at NTV where she worked as an Output Producer, Broadcast Platforms at NMG but failed to report, a matter that prompted one of her neighbours who happens to be her colleague to go to her place to check on her. 

Tinina’s employer NMG, in a statement in the evening, described her as an adept and experienced journalist with over 20 years of experience working for top media houses in the country.

“She served with great dedication and passion. Besides being an excellent worker, she was a friendly colleague who will be greatly missed,” the media house said.

“On behalf of the board, management, and staff of NMG, we wish to send our sincere condolences to Rita's family and friends. We will stand with you during this trying time.”

Friends and industry colleagues have since mourned Tinina as a good example in the journalism profession who was keen on nurturing young talent.

Eliud Owalo, the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, said in a statement that “Tinina’s contributions to journalism were invaluable, and she will be remembered for her dedication to truth, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence in reporting”.

“During this time of mourning, may Tinina’s loved ones find comfort in the knowledge that she made a significant and meaningful contribution to the field of journalism.”

Other prominent personalities who mourned the demise of Tinina included Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, political strategy consultant Dennis Itumbi, Nyali Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali and State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.

A family spokesperson requested their privacy as they came to terms with the journalist’s sudden death.