Ezekiel Mutua Remembers Final Meeting With Kitavi Mutua as Nation Journalist Dies After Snake Bite

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Ezekiel said Kitavi had recently visited him accompanied by Mwingi West Member of Parliament Charles Ngusya Nguna, popularly known as CNN.

The two friends spent time together laughing and engaging in conversations, creating what Ezekiel described as a memorable moment. However, he did not know that the encounter would be their last.

“Little did I know that, even as we enjoyed that time, it would be the last time I would see him alive,” Ezekiel wrote.

The MCSK boss expressed sadness over the loss of his former journalism colleague and friend, reflecting on how quickly life can change and how precious memories become following the death of a loved one.

He also referenced William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, sharing a passage that reflects on the brief and unpredictable nature of human life.

“Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more…” he quoted.

Ezekiel concluded his tribute by sending condolences to Kitavi’s family and praying that they would find strength, comfort and peace during the difficult period.

Kitavi, a long serving Nation Media Group correspondent who covered Kitui County and the wider Ukambani region, died on Friday night, October 30, 2026, while receiving treatment at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).

According to reports, the journalist was bitten by a red spitting cobra while sleeping at his home in Kitui South.

He was initially taken to Kitui County Referral Hospital before his condition worsened, prompting his transfer to KUTRRH for further treatment.

The snake venom reportedly affected his kidneys, liver and lungs, while an underlying diabetes condition complicated efforts to treat him.

Family spokesperson Faith Kithele said doctors attempted to resuscitate him three times after he suffered cardiac arrest on Friday night, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Kitavi had spent close to two weeks in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit before his death.

Kitavi’s death prompted tributes from leaders and members of the media fraternity, who remembered him for his contribution to journalism and the relationships he built throughout his career.

Among those who mourned him were Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu.

The veteran journalist had spent years reporting on politics, health, climate issues and devolution, bringing stories from Kitui and the wider Ukambani region to a national audience through the Daily Nation.

He left full time journalism about two years before his death to pursue private business but remained a respected figure among media professionals.

His passing has left family, friends, former colleagues and leaders mourning a journalist whose work and personal relationships made a lasting impression on those who knew him.

https://www.tuko.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/645227-ezekiel-mutua-recalls-meeting-nation-journalist-kitavi-mutua-died-snake-bite/

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