Autopsy Reveals What Caused NTV Journalist Rita Tinina's Death

An autopsy conducted on the late NTV journalist Rita Tinina has revealed she died of severe pneumonia.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, March 19 at the Umash Funeral Home, family spokesperson Timothy Njaga said they are satisfied with the results.

The post-mortem was conducted by government pathologist Peter Ndegwa in the presence of Tinina’s family pathologist Dr Michieka.

“We had come here to witness the postmortem performed by government pathologist Dr Ndegwa and the family pathologist Dr Michieka. The process in now complete, we have been given the results that the late Rita died of severe pneumonia. We are satisfied with the results,” Njaga stated.

Rita was found dead on Sunday,  March 17 afternoon after failing to report to work and answering a phone call from her colleague.

A police report indicated that the deceased had a severe fever that lasted for five days. The report also stated that the journalist was suffering from epilepsy.

"Before, death, the deceased was living with her 8-year-old daughter namely Mia Malaika and a house help called Nelius Mwihaki Macharia aged 36 years old in the same house. She was suffering from epilepsy and had five days old severe fever, her health history which was given by the said sister," the police report read in part.

Robert Nangila, Rita Tinina's colleague at Nation Media Group was the first person to visit her house which is located along Laikipia Road, Kileleshwa.

Nangila immediately called Tinina's sister Helen Silau Njaga informing her that the journalist was unconscious.

"On arrival at the scene the sister called in the assistance of emergency medical services whereby the paramedics confirmed that the body was already lifeless," the police report confirmed.

President William Ruto on Monday eulogized Tinina as a pioneer and trailblazer in Television journalism in the country.

"My sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Rita Tinina, a pioneer and a trailblazer in TV journalism. Rest in peace, Rita,” Ruto said in a statement.

Azimio Leader Raila Odinga on his part said Tinina’s dedication to journalism left an indelible mark on Kenya's media landscape.

"Her passing leaves a void in the industry, yet her legacy of storytelling and integrity will endure. My heartfelt condolences go out to her loved ones and colleagues. May God grant them strength and fortitude,” Raila stated.