The family, friends and colleagues of late Journalist Rita Tinina have eulogised the scribe as a gentle person who could accommodate anyone.
Speaking during the requiem mass for Tinina, NTV journalist Olive Burrows who read the statement by the family expressed the family's grief and shock following Tinina's untimely demise.
"Umetuwacha kwa mataa,"the family wrote.
They eulogised Tininia as a soft-spoken person who listened patiently to every one.
"We thought you were ours, but numerous tributes have been written, each expressing their personal experience with Rita, "the tribute reads.
From the fuel attendant at the petrol station to the watchman, Tinina impacted lives, without caring about the people's backgrounds, the family said.
Tinina was also celebrated as a journalist who mentored younger journalists in the profession, many of whom attributed their success to her guidance.
"The media fraternity has indeed lost a gentle giant, she will be missed around the world," the eulogy read.
At the end of the tribute the family urged Kenyans to emulate Tinina writing; "If your tomorrow never comes, who will remember you and how will you be remembered?"
Tinina is set to be buried on Wednesday, March 27 in Olokirikirai, Narok county.
Her autopsy had earlier revealed that the journalist died of severe pneumonia.
Speaking from Umash Funeral Home, family spokesperson Timothy Njaga said they are satisfied with the results.
“We had come here to witness the postmortem and it was completed by Dr Ndegwa and the family pathologist. We have been given the results that the late Rita died of severe pneumonia,” he said.
Njaga said government pathologist Peter Ndegwa conducted the autopsy in the presence of the family pathologist.
Those present at the requiem mass include her colleagues Dan Mwangi and Joe Ageyo, ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, Editorial Director, Royal Media Services/Citizen TV Kenya Linus Laikai, Linda Oguttu, and Ken Mijungu.
They all eulogised her as a trailblazer in the media space whom they say will be dearly missed.
"The last time I saw Rita was on Ash Wednesday and our encounter was brief and we agreed to catch up soon but it was never to happen. She was one of the finest human souls. To the Yiapan family, we share your pain and stand with you. We acknowledge that no words are adequate to take away the grief," Kaikai said.