Nation Media Group correspondent Kitavi Mutua has died after reportedly being bitten by a venomous snake at his residence in Kitui South, Kitui County.
Mutua passed away on Friday night while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, following an incident that had reportedly left him seeking medical attention for about a week.
Preliminary reports indicate that the veteran journalist was bitten by the snake while asleep at his home, prompting him to seek medical assistance.
His condition reportedly deteriorated as the venom spread through his body, eventually affecting his internal organs. He was subsequently admitted to the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he battled for his life.
His death has triggered an outpouring of grief within the media fraternity, with colleagues and leaders paying tribute to his dedication to journalism and his contribution to the profession.
Among those who mourned him was Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu, who remembered Mutua as a mentor who guided her when she ventured into politics nearly a decade ago.
In a tribute issued on Saturday, October 31, Kasalu described the late journalist as a generous professional who shared his knowledge and helped her understand the intersection between politics and the media.
She recalled how Mutua supported her during her formative years in politics, offering guidance on communication and navigating political engagement.
“Beyond being a journalist, Kitavi was a mentor, a friend, and a professional who believed in helping others. I will forever be grateful for the role he played in shaping my understanding of communication and political engagement,” said Kasalu.
“His passing is not just a loss to his family and friends, but also to the journalism fraternity and the people of Kitui, whom he served through his profession,” she added.
Mutua was a veteran Daily Nation correspondent who had been based in Kitui for several years, covering politics, development and other issues affecting residents.
Through his reporting, he brought stories from Kitui and the wider Ukambani region to national attention, highlighting local developments, governance matters and challenges facing communities.
His work made him a familiar voice in the region's media landscape, where he played an important role in connecting local communities with the rest of the country.
