Rita Tinina's girlfriends fulfil her wish

The late Rita Tinina.

Before Rita Tinina passed away, she and her friends-Judy, QZ, Njambi, and Njeri-had planned a road trip for her leave in April using a Range Rover.

On Wednesday 27, March 2024, they fulfilled their promise, albeit not how they had envisaged it.

Tinina's casket was carried in a black Range Rover hearse. The car was adorned with a v-shaped garland of red, white, green, and purple flowers-a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul.

Inside the hearse, Rita's casket was draped with a snow-white lace cloth and surrounded by red roses.

A poster on the rear windshield bore her lovely picture with the words "Rita Tinina, Forever in our Hearts."

During Tinina's requiem mass at the Holy Family Basilica on Monday this week, NTV reporter Khaemba explained that this gesture was to honour a plan they (Rita's friends) had made earlier.

Tinina's send-off commenced early on Wednesday. Family and friends gathered at Umash Funeral Home to collect the body and proceeded to her resting place in Olokirikirai, Narok.

Tinina will be remembered as an exceptional journalist who inspired many younger journalists.

Described as soft-spoken, understanding, and always willing to listen, she left a lasting impact on those she encountered.

Citizen TV's Linus Kaikai reminisced his final moments with her, saying, "The last time I saw Rita was on Ash Wednesday. Our encounter was brief, and we planned to catch up soon, but that was not to be. 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 can ease the grief."

In her eulogy, NTV's Olive Burrows emphasized that Rita Tinina's untimely demise was a significant loss to the media community, highlighting her impact and referring to her as a gentle giant.

At the Standard Group, journalists described her as a reporter par excellence who knew how to weave words together and breathed life into TV scripts.

May her soul rest in peace.

Rita Tinina's requiem mass at Holy Family Basilica Nairobi. [Samson Wire. Standard]