By GPC News Desk
The journalism fraternity is mourning veteran Kitavi Mutua, a long-serving Kitui-based correspondent for the Nation Media Group whose reporting brought stories from the wider Ukambani region to national attention.
Mutua died on Friday night, while receiving treatment at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, where he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
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Reports indicate that the journalist had suffered a suspected venomous snake bite at his home in Kitui South about a week before his death. His condition reportedly deteriorated as the venom affected his internal organs.
His death was confirmed publicly on Saturday, triggering an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends and leaders who remembered him not only for his journalism but also for his generosity and mentorship.
Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu was among those who paid tribute, recalling how Mutua helped her navigate the media and political environment when she ventured into politics about a decade ago.
“The news of the passing of Kitavi Mutua, a dedicated journalist based in Kitui, has deeply saddened me,” she said.
She recalled that he took her under his wing, held her hand and introduced her to the intricacies of communication at a time when she was finding her footing in politics.
Kasalu described him as “a mentor, a friend, and a professional who believed in helping others”, adding that his death was a loss to his family, friends, the journalism fraternity and the people of Kitui.
The Beyond Facts Podcast team, which described Mutua as one of its own, also mourned the seasoned storyteller, highlighting his contribution to coverage of politics, health, agriculture, the environment and climate change.
“Kitavi, you have filed your final story, but your legacy will continue to speak — and loudly so,” the team said in a tribute signed by Philip Muasya, Maryline Ngwio, Linah Musangi and Titus Kavinga.
Mutua worked with the Nation Media Group as a correspondent based in Kitui County.
His professional profile identifies him as a science journalist whose reporting interests included wildlife, agriculture, conflicts, climate change and business.
His work appeared in Daily Nation and Nation Africa, among other publications, helping bring local concerns and developments in Ukambani to a wider audience.
His passing leaves a gap in regional journalism, where correspondents play a crucial role in documenting community experiences and ensuring that stories beyond major urban centres receive national attention.
