Your Beauty Drew Me To You- Robert Nagila On How He First Met Rita Tinina [VIDEO]

Nagila also recounted the numerous tributes he had read and watched about Tinina, each highlighting her unwavering principles and the legacy she has left behind.

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Mar 25, 2024 - 13:40 Updated: Mar 25, 2024 - 13:47
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Your Beauty Drew Me To You- Robert Nagila On How He First Met Rita Tinina [VIDEO]
Robert Nagila in attendance at the requiem mass of the late Rita Tinina (inset) on March 25, 2024. /NTV.LINKEDIN

Robert Nagila, the partner to the late NTV journalist Rita Tinina, on Monday, March 25 retraced their first meeting in his heartfelt tribute that touched the hearts of not just everyone in attendance but also those watching the requiem mass from their homes on TV.

During the mass held at Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, Nagila fondly recalled their first encounter, to which he remarked that her beauty and hearty laughter were the characteristics that attracted him to her.

However, it was her stubbornness and her stance on what she believed in that he admired the most, aspects she carried until her last breath.

"Rita, when our paths first crossed, your beauty, hearty laughter and warm heart touched me. You were also the most stubborn person I ever met, principled in your beliefs," he stated in his eulogy.

The late NTV journalist Rita Tinina. /RITA TININA

Nagila also recounted the numerous tributes he had read and watched about Tinina, each highlighting her unwavering principles and the legacy she has left behind.

Despite her death, Nagila said he finds solace in the knowledge that her memories will live on in those whose lives she touched.

"Nina, last Sunday, your phone stopped ringing. Your passing has left a void that cannot be filled but I’m comforted by the fact that the memories of times spent will live on," he continued.

Turning to Mia Malaikah, his daughter with Tinina, Nagila reminded her of her late mother's immense love and determination to make her happy, no matter the challenges.

"My dearest Mia, your mother loved you more than anything else in this world. You were her best friend her confidant," he added.

"And every single thing she did was centred around you and your future. Know this, You are loved so much and there is nothing we would not do for you." 

Nagila further indicated that Tinina had established her legacy in the media just shy of her 46th birthday. Nonetheless, he thanked friends and family for the overwhelming support he has received in these trying times.

"Over the past few days, the question I've been asked the most is 'How are you doing?'" he shared. His candid response, "I am broken," underscored the depth of his grief.

Former Cabinet Minister Fred Gumo on his part spoke of how the late Tinina kept him waiting for her ''big day'' with Nagila.

The ex-Westlands MP, who happens to be Nagila's uncle told mourners at the requiem mass that he was looking forward to the two's joyful day.

"When I heard this news I was a way in Kitale. I was surprised because it came as a shock, I didn't believe it because I knew Rita and each time I met her, I asked her when is this joyful day coming,'' Gumo recounted.

"When is it, you cannot be friends forever? She kept on telling me Mheshimiwa don't worry the day will come." he continued, adding that he raised the same question at Nagila's father's funeral sometime back, getting the same response from Tinina.

Ahead of the burial, Nagila said that people should celebrate Tinina's life even as they lay her to rest.

Tinina will be buried on Wednesday, March 27 in Narok at the family's home, Noosupeni Farm Olokirikirai.

Video courtesy of Citizen TV:

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