A vigil in memory of renowned journalist Rasna Warah will be held on Saturday, January 18, her family has announced.
The event will be held from 2pm to 6pm at the Louis Leakey Auditorium at the National Museum of Kenya, Museum Hill.
Warah, 63, passed away on Saturday, January 11.
In December 2023, Warah shared that she had been diagnosed with cancer in 2022.
Later, on October 28, 2024, she publicly revealed that she had breast cancer in an article titled The Enemy Within, published by The Elephant online newsmagazine.
Warah was widely respected for her insightful and impactful work in the media industry.
Known for her integrity, commitment to truth, and dedication to telling stories that mattered, she earned a reputation for fearless and thoughtful reporting over her decades-long career.
Her reporting covered a range of critical topics, including human rights, social justice, politics, and environmental issues.
Her critical perspective was particularly evident in her coverage of the challenges facing marginalised communities, inequality and the complexities of global development.
Warah was also a passionate advocate for change, using her platform to raise awareness about these issues both locally and internationally.
Throughout her career, Warah contributed to various media outlets, including Nation Media Group’s The Sunday Nation, The Standard and The Elephant.
She was also a prolific author, with notable works including Lords of Impunity, Nairobi Noir, UNsilenced: Unmasking the United Nations' Culture of Cover-ups, Corruption and Impunity and War Crimes: How Warlords, Politicians, Foreign Governments and Aid Agencies Conspired to Create a Failed State in Somalia.
Kenyans have taken to X to remember Warah, uniting in grief to honour her life and legacy.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah described her as a true patriot, a fearless advocate for justice, and an unwavering champion of good governance.
"She dedicated her life to speaking truth to power, fearlessly addressing issues of national importance, and standing firm on the side of the marginalized and voiceless,” he said.
“Her passing leaves a void in the fight for justice, but her legacy will continue to inspire those of us who remain committed to her ideals."
"Rasna Warah has rested, she was one of us, she stood for what is right, and fought for justice and good governance. May she go in peace,” an X user Wamutahi said.
Willy Walla also shared, "Forever a gem. A gallant soldier she was. Go well, Rasna Warah!"
“Rasna Warah was a strong voice for accountability at the national and international level... even as she was ailing, she kept performing her rights check in her last few rts,” Wisdom said.
