Veteran journalist Kitavi Mutua, who worked for Nation Media Group for several years, has died after being bitten by a venomous red spitting cobra at his home in Kitui South.
Mutua died on Friday night, October 30, 2026, while receiving treatment at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), where he had spent approximately two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
According to family spokesperson Faith Kithele, the journalist was initially admitted to Kitui County Referral Hospital before doctors transferred him to KUTRRH after his condition failed to improve.
Veteran journalist Kitavi Mutua. Photo: Courtesy.
The snake venom reportedly caused severe complications, leading to the failure of his kidneys, liver and lungs. His underlying diabetes further complicated his condition.
Kithele revealed that doctors attempted to resuscitate Mutua three times after he suffered cardiac arrest, but they were unable to save him.
Kitavi Mutua’s Journalism Career
Mutua served as a long-time correspondent for Nation Media Group, covering Kitui County and the wider Ukambani region.
During his journalism career, he reported extensively on politics, climate action, healthcare, devolution and community affairs.
He also wrote about the snake menace in Kitui County, making his death following a snake attack particularly tragic.
He left full-time journalism about two years ago to pursue private business but remained connected to colleagues and people within the media fraternity.
Leaders, Journalists Mourn Kitavi Mutua
His death sparked tributes from political leaders and journalists who remembered him as an accomplished writer, mentor and dedicated professional.
Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu described Mutua as a friend and mentor who helped her navigate political communication when she was finding her footing in public life.
Former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu also mourned him, recognising his contribution to journalism and the relationships he built across different sections of the community.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua and Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kelvin Kinengo Katisya were also among those who paid tribute to the late journalist.
Veteran journalist and news editor Martin Masai expressed shock over his death, recalling that he had worked with Mutua from the beginning of his journalism career.
Standard Media Group journalist Philip Muasya also mourned him, describing him as a seasoned writer and friend whose contribution to journalism would remain memorable.
Mutua’s death marks a loss to the media fraternity, particularly in Kitui and the wider Ukambani region, where he spent years documenting political, social and community developments.
