Tributes and condolences from across the media industry are pouring in for veteran journalist Mutegi Njau who passed on Thursday evening.
The former editor, political talk show co-host at Citizen TV has been receiving treatment for the last three weeks after suffering a stroke.
The news of his passing was announced by the family which is already making funeral arrangements.
“It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dad. He left us peacefully on the evening of June 27, 2024, at 7 PM. Dad was a remarkable man whose generosity, sense of humour, and dedication to his career left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He was not only the cornerstone of our family but also a cherished figure in our community”, the family said.
Adding “During this difficult time, please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and for the love and friendship you extended to Dad throughout his life,”.
With over 35 years of experience in Media, the celebrated editor retired from the Nation Media Group in 2005 having worked there for 24 years.
He participated in the Global Integrity project being the reporter for Kenya for two consecutive years. He also took part in ICIJ’s Collateral Damage project and wrote the story for the East African region.
Friends and colleagues took to social media platforms to mourn the loss of the respected journalist and valued mentor.
“Mutegi Njau made an indelible mark in Kenya’s Journalism. He trained many of us. He has left a rich legacy. It is time to rest. Rest in Peace Senior”, Head of Communication Services in the Office of the Deputy President Njeri Rugeni tweeted.
His former co-host and panelist David Makali also expressed his sadness at the passing of Mutegi.
Devastated by the passing on of Snr colleague and #Cheche /#Powerbreakfast @citizentvkenya co-host and panelist Mutegi Njau. May your toil on this earth be rewarded and your memory last forever among those you mentored and gifted, or who savoured your goodness. @UduakAmimo pic.twitter.com/A5TssL6Oho
— David Makali (@davidmakali1) June 28, 2024
Standard Group editor Kipkoech Tanui described the late Mutegi as an editor of high standards, firm, outspoken and thorough.
“Mutegi Njau was the source of courage for us in the newsroom in late 1990’s. He was firm, outspoken and thorough. Until you knew him well, especially the fact that he would defend you and your story to the end, you would feel the ground should open up and swallow you when he loudly belted out orders or reprimanded you. When the stories have come and in the form and shape he expected, he will be a different person altogether – like a satisfied lion. RIP our legend Mutegi Njau”.
David Aduda, a consulting editor and education specialist who worked with him at the Nation shared his memories.
“Mutegi scared off people at face value but when you got to know him, he was easy, hillarious and inspirational. He was a true defender of journalism. His legacy lives on. Go well Laston!”.
” Mutegi Njau traversed all media. From radio, print, TV, digital. What more could a journalist of his age have asked for? Eric Shimoli a former colleague at Nation Media group posed.
“A journalist in the real sense of the word. If you were 24 and new in the newsroom Mutegi would lower himself to your level. You would relate in and outside the newsroom. A trainer, sometimes a no nonsense one, but as already observed, your friend and defender when the bosses of bosses came calling. Mutegi Njau. Laston. Journalism in @Ke is great because you lived. Continue banging copy even as you fly with the angles. A life well lived” he added.
Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeidah Kananu and KBC Assistant Editor-in-Chief Millicent Owour also sent messages of condolences to the family and the entire media fraternity.
