Veteran journalist Robert Nagila delivered a touching tribute to her fallen partner Rita Tinina, emphasizing the void she has left in his heart can't be filled.
Speaking during a requiem mass for Rita Tinana held at Holy Family Basilica on Monday, March 26, 2024, Nagila confessed that he was completely broken by his sweetheart's untimely death.
"Over the past few days the one question that has constantly rang through my ears from wellwishers more than any other question is 'how are you doing?' Today as I stand here before you the answer to that question is 'I am broken'. However, broken things can be mended whereas the loss of a loved one is absolute," Robert Nagila said.
The veteran journalist nonetheless thanked family and friends for standing with him during the most trying moment in his life.
He mentioned former Westlands Member of Parliament (MP) Fred Gumo for giving him a shoulder to lean on.
"I would like to acknowledge the honourable Fred Gumo who is like a father to me. When he first got wind of the news of Rita's passing, he has called me every single day with words of support and comfort," Nagila said.
The scribe also talked about how he fell in love with Rita Tinina, revealing that the deceased was very stubborn yet principled in her beliefs.
"Rita, when our paths first crossed your beauty, hearty laughter and warm words touched me. You were also the most stubborn person I ever met, principled in your beliefs," he said.
Nagila noted that the void Rita Tinina left in his heart could not be filled.
"Last Sunday your phone stopped ringing. Your passing has left a void that cannot be filled. But I am comforted with the fact the numeric of times spent will live on," he said.
Adding that; "You were loved so much and there is nothing we wouldn't do for you."
Robert Nagila regretted that Rita Tinina did not live to celebrate her 46th birthday yet she had just established her legacy.
"We all spend our lifetime chasing a legacy that we hope to be remembered for. It is remarkable that I find Rita Tinina established her legacy just shy of her 46th birthday. We are all here because Rita impacted our lives in a special way," he said.
"I shall miss you dearly Mama Mia," Nagila concluded his tribute.
Burial
Rita Tinina will be buried at her family home at Noosupeni Farm Olokirikirai, Narok County on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
The deceased died at her house in Kileleshwa on March 17, 2024.
Postmortem revealed that the journalist died of severe pneumonia.
Speaking from Umash Funeral Home, family spokesperson Timothy Njaga said they were satisfied with the results.
“We had come here to witness the postmortem and it was completed by Dr Ndegwa and the family pathologist. We have been given the results that the late Rita died of severe pneumonia,” he said.
Njaga said government pathologist Peter Ndegwa conducted the autopsy in the presence of the family pathologist.
