Veteran journalist Mutegi Njau is dead, his family has confirmed.
Njau, most recently a Citizen TV journalist who co-hosted its breakfast and accountability show, died on Thursday evening peacefully according to his family.
“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,” his family said.
The late Mutegi had a distinguished media career that spanned decades, working at leading media houses but was popularly known for his morning show ‘Cheche’ at Royal Media Service.
His kin described him as the cornerstone of the family and a cherished figure in the community whose generosity, sense of humour, and dedication to his career left a lasting impact on everyone he met.
“Dad was a remarkable man whose generosity, sense of humor, 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,” a statement from his family read in part.
The family said that they are currently in the process of arranging his funeral and will share the details within the next day or two.
“Your presence would be greatly appreciated as we gather to honor his memory. 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” it added.
He started his journey in media in 1979, with his passion growing from the days of Kenya’s founding president Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
Mutegi left Nation Media Group in 2005 after working with the media house for 24 years and later joined Citizen TV in 2006 where he worked until he retired. He also served as the chairman of the Media Associations Review Committee.
He also worked in other media houses including the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
Several journalists mourned Mutegi with some describing him as a senior in the industry who made a mark in the industry.
Head of Communication Services in the Office of the Deputy President, Njeri Rugene eulogized Mutegi as a journalist who made an indelible mark in Kenya’s journalism.
“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,” Ms Rugene, who was a long-serving editor at Nation, said.
His former co-host at the morning show David Makali remembered him as Mutegi as a man who mentored and gifted many people in the industry.
“Devastated by the passing on of senior colleague, 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,” Makali said.
ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale, who worked with Mr Njau when he was in the newsroom, recalled how Mutegi taught him the art of writing a good story and narrating events captured in the field.
“Etale, a good journalist writes facts and facts alone. You don’t need hearsay to make a good journalist, dig in deeper and you will be incredibly successful in your career… RIP Mutegi Njau,” he said.
“A great media personality, Mutegi Njau, will be remembered for his dedication to professionalism. I will remember him as my senior and friend from our time working together at NMG in the late 90s, when he was in command of the Nation newsdesk. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” wrote Edward Mwasi on X, a Media Industry Strategy and Innovation Consultant at the Center for Business Innovation and Training (CBIT).
