By Safi News Desk
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The media fraternity and political leaders in Kitui County are mourning the death of veteran journalist Kitavi Mutua, a long-serving correspondent for the Nation Media Group who reportedly died after being bitten by a venomous snake at his home in Kitui South.
Mutua died on Friday night while receiving treatment at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, where he had been admitted following the reported snakebite incident.
His death has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends and political leaders, who have remembered him for his contribution to journalism, his professional relationships and his role in mentoring emerging leaders.
Among those who have expressed their condolences are former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu, who shared a close friendship with the deceased.
Ngilu’s tribute reflects the personal relationships Mutua built during his years covering political and public affairs in Kitui, where he interacted with leaders across different political divides.
Kasalu also mourned the veteran journalist, recalling his role in guiding and mentoring her when she ventured into politics about a decade ago.
Her tribute highlights a side of Mutua’s career that extended beyond reporting, with his professional experience and networks bringing him into contact with leaders and other public figures whose careers he covered.
According to preliminary reports, Mutua was bitten by the snake while sleeping at his home. He reportedly spent about a week seeking medical attention before his condition deteriorated and he was admitted to hospital.
Reports indicate that the effects of the venom worsened his condition, eventually affecting his internal organs. However, the precise medical circumstances surrounding his death had not been independently established by Safi News at the time of publication.
Mutua’s death marks a significant loss to the media fraternity in Kitui, where he served for years as a correspondent covering political developments, community affairs and other public-interest issues.
His long service placed him at the centre of the county’s political and social landscape, giving him opportunities to interact with elected leaders, government officials and ordinary residents.
For many journalists, particularly those who have worked in regional newsrooms, experienced correspondents play an important role in providing institutional memory, identifying emerging stories and helping younger reporters understand the complexities of covering local affairs.
Mutua’s reported mentorship of Kasalu is one example of the professional relationships he developed over the course of his career.
His passing has also renewed reflection on the challenges journalists face while working in the field and the importance of timely access to appropriate medical care during emergencies.
As tributes continue to emerge, Mutua is being remembered not only as a journalist who spent years documenting events in Kitui but also as a friend, colleague and mentor whose loss will be felt by those who knew and worked with him.
Safi News extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Kitavi Mutua, his children, relatives, friends and colleagues in the media fraternity. We recognise the profound pain that comes with losing a loved one and stand in solidarity with the family during this difficult period.
We also convey our sympathies to former Governor Charity Ngilu, Woman Representative Irene Kasalu and all those whose lives were touched by the late journalist.
May his family find strength and comfort in the memories they shared with him, and may his children find support and encouragement as they navigate this difficult time.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.