Former Nation journalist Kitavi Mutua dies after snake bite

Journalist Kitavi Mutua, a long-serving Nation Media Group correspondent in Kitui before venturing into private business two years ago, is dead.

Mr Mutua died on Friday while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital.

“Medics tried three times to resuscitate him after he suffered a cardiac arrest,” the family spokesperson, Faith Kithele, told the Daily Nation.

Trouble started after he was attacked by a venomous snake.

Ms Kithele said upon his admission to Kitui County Referral Hospital, he was also diagnosed with an underlying condition — diabetes.

Read: Snakebites: How to avoid them and what to do if you’re bitten 

“We transferred him to Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital after discovering that he was not responding well to medication. His kidneys, liver and lungs had failed. He remained in the Intensive Care Unit for two weeks,” Ms Kithele explained.

“Medics have linked his death to the attack by the red spitting cobra. It was complicated by the underlying health condition,” she added.

Mr Mutua leaves behind a rich legacy in journalism. He wrote extensively on politics, climate action, health, devolution and even the snake menace in Kitui County.

“A pen has fallen silent, but the stories you told and the legacy you leave behind will live on,” said Standard Media Group reporter Phillip Muasya, who eulogised Mr Mutua as a consummate writer and a friend.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua led the political class in mourning the journalist.

Glowing tributes

“I will fondly remember him for his dedication to journalism and the engagements we shared. His passing is a loss not only to his family but also to the media fraternity and the wider community. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues in the media fraternity. May God grant them strength and comfort during this difficult time,” Dr Mutua said in a social media post. 

Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu said Mr Mutua’s death was a big blow to the county.

“When I was finding my footing in the political space, he took me under his wing, held my hand and introduced me to the intricacies of communication. He generously shared his knowledge, offered guidance and helped me understand the important relationship between politics and the media.

“Beyond being a journalist, Kitavi was a mentor, a friend and a professional who believed in helping others. I will forever be grateful for the role he played in shaping my understanding of communication and political engagement,” Dr Kasalu said.

Former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu echoed Dr Kasalu’s sentiments.

“Kitavi was a distinguished journalist whose career spanned many years. He built and maintained meaningful relationships across every section of the community.

Read: I felt him die inside her: Grieving husband blames negligence for snakebite death of wife and unborn child

“Kitui has lost a great son of the soil, an impeccable scribe and an outstanding role model to this generation,” she said.

Kitui Speaker Kelvin Kinengo Katisya described Kitavi as a “dear friend, a veteran journalist and an exceptional son of Kitui County.”

“Our paths crossed during my early years in politics when I was a young volunteer for the Wiper Party and later Personal Assistant to the Wiper Party leader, and he was a dedicated journalist with the Nation Media Group. What began as a professional relationship quickly grew into a meaningful, lifelong friendship,” Mr Katisya said.

“When I made history as the Speaker of the Kitui County Assembly at just 30 years old, Kitavi was among the few journalists who saw the weight of that moment. Coming from a humble background at the far end of Kitui County, he highlighted my story, amplifying my voice when it mattered most. Throughout my journey, he played an instrumental role in shaping my media presence,” he went on.

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