The media fraternity has learnt with deep sorrow of the passing on of veteran Swahili journalist and author Ken Walibora. But while Kenya Editors’ Guild mourns the death of the accomplished author who in the words of many members: “ Helped them develop a liking for the Swahili language”, the Guild celebrates Walibora for the contributions he made to journalism, specifically broadcasting and Kiswahili.
The accomplished author has several Kiswahili books to his credit, among them SikuNjema (199 6) and Kidagaa Kimemwozea.
Walibora died on Friday April 10th after he was knocked down by a speeding matatu along Landhies Road, Nairobi. Until his demise, Walibora served as the Director Global Languages and Studies Centre and Senior Lecturer, School of International Relations and Diplomacy- Riara University. He will be remembered as among the pioneer Kiswahili anchors at NTV. He also served as the Group Quality Manager, Kiswahili Media Services at Nation Media Group.
KEG President Churchill Otieno said:
“A very sad day for the fraternity of journalists in Kenya. Ken was a fine editor, keen academic and committed promoter of Kiswahili. His true humility in greatness inspired many in our newsrooms and in his broadcasts. The matatu that killed him has robbed journalism of a special talent.”
He has been described as a gentleman full of humility, which aligns with his last words posted on Face Book.
On his last post on Facebook, he wrote: “I respect all people and look for the best in others,” Adding that: It has been his privilege to “straddle the two worlds of academia and broadcast journalism”
Walibora becomes the fourth journalist to die in a spate of reckless driving. Less than a month ago, NTV editor Raphael Nzioki died after he was ran over by a speeding matatu in the city centre.
Kenya Editors’ Guild sends deepest condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
About the Kenya Editors’ Guild
The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) is a not-for-profit professional organisation that brings together 170 senior print, broadcast, digital and other electronic media editors. It seeks to: defend and promote media freedom and independence in Kenya; promote quality and ethical journalism; provide a forum for the discussion of the challenges facing the media and editors; and to network with other professional organisation, among other imperatives.
For more details and clarifications, please contact:
Rosalia Omungo
H12 Delamere Flats, Milimani Road, Nairobi
+254 20 2720554, +254 20 2724756 Email: info@ kenyaeditorsguild.org Website:
www.kenyaeditorsguild.org Twitter: @KenyaEditors
