Ezekiel Mutua, CEO of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya, has penned a heartfelt tribute to veteran journalist Kitavi Mutua.
The journalist died on Friday night, October 30, 2026, while receiving treatment in the ICU at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
What was Ezekiel’s last meeting with Kitavi?
In a Facebook post that has drawn widespread emotion, Mutua revealed that Kitavi had visited him recently alongside Mwingi West MP Hon. Charles Ngusya Nguna, better known as CNN.
The two old friends laughed, talked and shared what Mutua described as a truly memorable moment, not knowing it would be their last.
“Little did I know that, even as we enjoyed that time, it would be the last time I would see him alive,”
Mutua wrote, adding a verse from Shakespeare’s Macbeth:
“Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more…”
What happened to Kitavi Mutua?
Kitavi was reportedly bitten by a red spitting cobra while asleep at his home in Kitui South.
He was first treated at Kitui County Referral Hospital before his condition worsened and doctors transferred him to KUTRRH.
The venom reportedly caused his kidneys, liver and lungs to deteriorate, with his underlying diabetes complicating the medical team’s efforts.
Family spokesperson Faith Kithele confirmed that doctors attempted to resuscitate him three times after he suffered a cardiac arrest on Friday night but were ultimately unsuccessful.
He had spent close to two weeks in the ICU before his death.
Tributes pour in for Kitavi Mutua
Kitavi had served for years as a Nation Media Group correspondent covering Kitui County and the wider Ukambani region, reporting on politics, health, climate and devolution issues.
He had left full-time journalism about two years before his death to pursue private business but remained a well-regarded figure in media circles.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu were among the prominent voices who mourned him, each describing him as a professional, mentor and friend.
On Ezekiel Mutua’s post, reactions poured in from followers and public figures alike:
Hon. Charles Ngusya Nguna:
“I am deeply devastated. No words to express the sadness.”
Edinah Kangwana Mbs:
“Pole for the loss.”
MarkOnani Andrew:
“May he rest in peace. How did you manage to share laughter?”
Kwandab Kim:
“It’s devastating, to say the least, to know that Mutua died from a snakebite. If it was a complicated disease, it could be excusable. May it be a lesson for us to move towards a safer Kenya.”
Caroline Mwanza:
“Sorry, Dr Ezekiel Mutua, for the loss of your friend; may Almighty God comfort and strengthen you and his family during this time of grief. Shalom.”
Hon Tim Mutune:
“He was indeed a great man… Rest in peace, Kitavi.”
