Former Inooro Radio Journalist Kihara wa Gathua Passes Away

Inooro FM Studios.
Views of Inooro FM Studios.

UPDATE: The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) on Wednesday 16, in a statement condoled with family, friends and media fraternity in mourning the passing of veteran journalist Kihara Wa Gathua popularly known as 'Mzee wa Kazi.'

"He will be remembered for setting high standards in journalism and for providing mentorship to upcoming talent in the journalism profession. May his soul rest in peace," MCK commiserated.


Shock and sadness descended on the media fraternity following the demise of veteran broadcaster Kihara Wa Gathua who passed away at Kenyatta University Referral Hospital on Sunday while receiving treatment.

The family confirmed Kihara succumbed to cancer while undergoing treatment. Until his death, he was a celebrated newscaster at Kayu FM. Kihara Wa Gathua previously worked at Inooro FM and Iganjo FM.

Celebrated journalist Kihara wa Gathua who died on Sunday, October, 13, 2024.
Celebrated journalist Kihara wa Gathua who died on Sunday, October, 13, 2024.
Photo
Kihara wa Gathua

Popularly known as ‘Mzee wa Kazi’ Kihara Wa Gathua ruled the airwaves of top Kikuyu Radio stations with his deep baritone voice as a newscaster.

He was born at Kamiruru in Kieni Constituency in Nyeri County and started off at Consolata Institute of Communications and Technology Studies where he pursued a course in journalism. Afterwards, he got an attachment at Kenya News Agency (KNA) in Nyeri where he honed his skills.

The attachment opened an opportunity to join Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) from 2002 to 2003 where cohosted a Current Affairs Program.

Before his 7-month contract lapsed at KBC, Kihara Wa Gathua joined Inooro FM where he built his stature and profile.

He started his career as a reporter at Inooro FM and worked under the current Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba.

He later transitioned from a reporter to a news anchor where his talent and flare for reading news became increasingly evident. So good was he that he went straight to work on the morning shift alongside his boss, Wa Muchomba.

He worked at Inooro FM from 2003 to 2018 in the news department and later as the head of the department till his departure. He is credited to have set the standards of reporting at Inooro FM moulding many talents in the media landscape.

Upon leaving Inooro FM, he went and founded Iganjo FM ( Soap media) in his capacity as the head of the station from 2018 to 2019 where he is credited with contributing to building the station from scratch.

In 2022, Kihara unsuccessfully vied for the Kieni MP seat. Hours before his death he had asked Kenyans for help to clear his hospital bill.

Fans of the journalist have condoled with the family, celebrating the contributions of the media giant. The presenter's death comes barely a year after he lost his mother. He is survived by a widow Wangui Wa Kihara and three children. 

Ex Inooro FM newscaster Kihara wa Gathua who passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
Ex Inooro FM newscaster Kihara wa Gathua who passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
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