22/03/2024
My tributes to Rita Tinina.,she was *Gentle yet assertive, composed and resolute.*
You are no longer with us, and it is truly a sad loss. However, your legacy continues to live on among us. While many may remember you as gentle, I must say that Rita, you had another side to you. Despite your soft, bubbly demeanor and infectious smile, you were incredibly serious about your work and always prioritized professionalism. You were never intimidated by challenges, and I would like to share my experience with you from about 15 years ago.
The botched TV assignment with Rita.
I vividly recall a time when a prominent politician left us journalists waiting for over an hour for a press conference. It was a chaotic period in the newsrooms, with the Sinai fire tragedy, the passing of Prof. Wangari Maathai, and a teachers' strike dominating the headlines. With no vehicles at our disposal, we had no choice but to trek to the KICC alongside Rita and Adrian Mulama, the camera person from Nation Centre.
We were among the group of journalists eagerly waiting for the press conference to begin. While we waited patiently, the politician's personal assistant emerged. Instead of offering an apology for the delay, he simply informed us that the conference would begin in a few minutes before disappearing back inside.
After making us wait for over an hour, showing a blatant disregard for our time, we were then subjected to an additional 20 minutes of waiting. The PA had the audacity to come back and tell us that we needed to wait a little while longer because the boss was still caught up in a petty briefing. To make matters worse, he had the nerve to mention that he had already spoken to our superiors. Absolutely absurd! Making us appear inferior in our role as journalists on the field. It's just plain frustrating and disrespectful.
Rita had finally reached her breaking point and stormed out of the room. Mulama and I quickly followed suit, eager to support her in whatever decision she had made. As we made our way back to the office, passing by the imposing Kenyatta Statue, Rita's phone rang. It was the PA, desperately trying to convince us to return.
Reluctantly, we turned back and found ourselves face to face with the PA at the grand staircases of the KICC. I could see the determination in Rita's eyes as she stood her ground. She calmly but firmly informed the PA that she was not convinced by his words. With grace and poise, she instructed him to relay her message to the boss he was speaking to - they would need to find another reporter for that presser . Rita also advised him to better prepare for future press conferences.
From Rita's actions, I learned that journalists should uphold respect in the profession and value their time. She displayed kindness, yet remained assertive and unwavering. Rita effectively managed her time and prioritized tasks efficiently. Her example serves as a reminder for all journalists to maintain professionalism and assertiveness in their work.
As an intern, I was initially prepared to wait longer, particularly when dealing with a prominent politician. I may have held the belief that journalists have little influence and are merely puppets controlled by others while carrying out assigned tasks.
Through that experience, I learned the importance of demanding respect as a journalist for my time and not allowing anyone to intimidate me, regardless of their position in society, as long as I am doing the right thing.
Your presence will be missed, RT. You have made a significant impact in this field and leave behind a remarkable legacy.
Oriti Nyarmaasai.
Steve Juma
