Fellow journalists, politicians, church leaders and friends have mourned veteran journalist Elijah Maina Kinyanjui, fondly known as "Master", who died on Thursday, aged 61.

Led by Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui, the mourners described Kinyanjui as a gifted journalist whose legacy will remain for many years.

Kinyanjui's family confirmed that the journalist breathed his last on Thursday evening at the Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he was receiving treatment.

According to his son Emmanuel Kinyanjui, his father visited the hospital on Monday, after he fell sick and was admitted at the facility.

"My father fell ill on Monday and he took himself to the Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital. He passed on while receiving treatment," he said.

The younger Kinyanjui revealed that his father died of severe Pneumonia and Meningitis.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui described Kinyanjui as a bold and dedicated journalist whose rich legacy will live for many years.

"It is with great sadness that l have learnt of the demise of veteran journalist Elijah Maina Kinyanjui. He was a political analyst of immense repute. The gift of the pen truly lived with him. He began his media practice during the pen and paper era, where his keen eye for detail was widely acknowledged. May the Almighty Lord comfort his family," said Kinyanjui in a statement.

Nakuru Senator Tabitha Keroche Karanja also eulogised him as a generous and passionate media professional who mentored others.

"Nakuru has lost a great son. He was a passionate media professional who mentored and guided many budding journalists and digital strategists across the country, “stated Keroche.

Nakuru TV proprietor Patrick Prince described Kinyanjui as a dedicated and passionate journalist who mentored many.

"He was generous to a fault. Kinyanjui loved his work and he was never swayed or cowed from reporting the truth. The media fraternity has lost a gem. May God rest his soul in eternal peace, “Prince eulogised him.

Renowned journalist Raphael Munge, a schoolmate to Kinyanjui both at the Flamingo Primary and Menengai High School described him as a soft spoken but fearless individual.

" I worked with him at the People Daily for over 10 years. We have lost one of the best journalists in this country. He has left a rich legacy through the impactful stories he told that resonated with Kenyans across the country," said Munge.

Daily Nation's Vitalis Kimutai who also worked with Kinyanjui described him as a dedicated and truthful journalist.

"It is sad that the media fraternity has lost a gem. I first met him in Nakuru and he was one of the best political and feature writers l have interacted with. He was always jovial and loved the trade, “said Kimutai.

Another colleague, Rita Kemunto Damary said, "Kinyanjui was a prolific writer who contributed greatly to the media industry."

Many journalists who worked with him recalled his willingness to guide young reporters and his commitment to accurate reporting, saying he remained passionate about journalism throughout his career.

Kinyanjui, who began his media practice in the 1990s, worked with the Standard Media Group Limited (KTN and Standard Newspaper), the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Star Newspaper and People Daily.

He was among the pioneers of digital politics in Nakuru, where he created various digital platforms, including the Nakuru Analysts WhatsApp Group credited for changing political engagement and public discourse.

The African Union referenced its impact, and several newspapers published articles highlighting its influence on political conversations and community mobilisation.

During the regime of the first Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua, Kinyanjui shot to fame as an ardent critic of his administration.

He is survived by his wife and four children.

Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui leads Nakuru residents in mourning veteran Journalist Elijah Kinyanjui

Author Spotlight

Eric Matara