Kenyans are paying tribute to veteran journalist Joe Kadhi, who has died at a hospital in the capital, Nairobi.
He had a long and distinguished career, once serving as managing editor of the country’s biggest newspaper, the Daily Nation – with some referring to him as the “godfather of print media” in Kenya.
He was also a media trainer and lecturer at the University of Nairobi, the University of Addis Ababa and the United States International University in Kenya before he retired.
William Ruto, Kenya’s deputy president and presidential election front-runner, called him a “truly gifted, dedicated and enthusiastic journalist who leaves behind an extraordinary body of work”.
“His mantra “‘Publish and Be Damned’ still rings in my head each time I need to defy power,” journalist Joe Ageyo tweeted.
Linus Kaikai, the editor of Citizen TV, said it was a “sad day” to lose “a mentor, professional guardian, legendary trainer and a pioneer of the golden generation”.
“Sad to learn of the passing on of Joe Kadhi, a respected member of my profession. He mentored many and inspired most of us with his knowledge and skills,” tweeted Philip Etale, spokesperson for prominent presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
Kadhi’s family said he would be buried later on Thursday, according to the final rites of his Muslim faith.
