Owalo: Njoroge Mwaura’s legacy will live on

Veteran news anchor Njoroge Mwaura

Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President Eliud Owalo has condoled with the family veteran news anchor Njoroge Mwaura following his death.

Owalo, who is in charge of performance and delivery management, said he was saddened to learn of the passing of the former KTN news anchor.

“Njoroge Mwaura will always be remembered for his exemplary journalism and sharp insights, especially through his iconic segment, "Njoroge's Notebook," where he tackled critical national issues,” he said.

Owalo added that Mwaura, alongside Catherine Kasavuli, redefined the 9:00 pm news, setting a gold standard in broadcast journalism.

“Beyond his work on screen, Njoroge was a mentor to many aspiring journalists, fostering talent and shaping the industry,” he stated.

He added that Mwaura’s official retirement in 2013 marked the end of an era, but said his legacy of mentorship and inspiration continues to influence countless journalists.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” he said.

His wife, Lucy Njoroge, who revealed the veteran journalist passed away at a hospital in Nairobi, confirmed Mwaura’s death on February 24.

She said Mwaura had gone in for surgery but developed complications before ultimately succumbing to an unnamed ailment. 

The veteran journalist was famous for his Njoroge Notebook where he addressed various issues that were affecting the country. Many journalists have praised him for mentoring them as he is referred to as The TV Legend.

He began his career with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) as a news anchor before transitioning to Kenya Television Network (KTN) when the station was starting out.

Mwaura also worked with renowned news anchor Catherine Kasavuli, who passed away in 2022 aged 60. The pair co-anchored together for years during the late 90s and early 2000s.

In 2012, after a brief retirement, Mwaura was recalled to KTN to assist during a phase of rebranding. He officially retired from broadcasting in 2013.

Mwaura's death was the latest high-profile passing of a veteran journalist, coming just days after Leonard Mambo Mbotela passed away after a career spanning six decades.