NAIROBI, Kenya- Veteran journalist Kitavi Mutua has died after being bitten by a venomous snake in Kitui County, prompting tributes from leaders and colleagues who remembered him as an accomplished writer, political thinker and mentor.
Mutua died on Friday, October 30, while receiving treatment at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), where he had been admitted to the intensive care unit.
He had earlier received treatment at Kitui County Referral Hospital after the snake attack.
Family spokesperson Faith Kithele said doctors tried to resuscitate him three times after he suffered a cardiac arrest.
She said medics linked his death to the snakebite, which was complicated by an underlying condition.
He had remained in intensive care for about two weeks.
A career covering Kitui and the wider region
Mutua was a long-serving correspondent for the Daily Nation, covering Kitui and the wider Ukambani region.
His reporting focused on politics, climate action, health, devolution and community affairs, bringing local issues to national attention.
He also wrote about the snakebite threat in Kitui, making his death after a reported snake attack especially painful for colleagues who recalled his coverage of the issue.
Mutua had left full-time journalism for private business about two years ago, according to reports.
Prof Makau Mutua, who described the journalist as a close friend, said his death had left him deeply saddened.
“A brilliant and prodigious writer and political thinker, Mr Mutua leaves behind a rich legacy of the very best in our media industry,” he said. “I have lost a great and dear friend.”
Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua also mourned the journalist, describing him as a respected professional from Kitui whom he had known and engaged with through his work.
“I will fondly remember him for his dedication to journalism and the engagements we shared,” the Cabinet Secretary said, extending his condolences to Mutua’s family, friends and colleagues.
Colleagues remember his mentorship
Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu said Mutua had guided her when she was finding her footing in politics, sharing his knowledge of communication and the relationship between politics and the media.
She remembered him as a mentor and friend who was generous with his professional experience.
Former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu also mourned him as an accomplished journalist and role model, saying the county had lost a respected son.
Colleagues and leaders joined the tributes on Saturday, reflecting on the contribution Mutua made to journalism and the communities he covered.
His reporting helped document political and social issues in Kitui, while his relationships with people across the county strengthened his work as a correspondent.
