Award-winning journalist Rashid Idi dies in Nairobi

By Newsflash Reporter

A senior journalist at the Standard Group, Rashid Mukoya Idi, has died after a brief illness, sparking an outpouring of grief across Kenya’s media fraternity.

Reports indicate that Mukoya collapsed at the media house’s offices before being rushed to hospital, where he later passed away. His family has since confirmed that he died on Wednesday, December 25, while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital. He is scheduled to be laid to rest on Saturday in accordance with Islamic rites.

The cause of his sudden collapse and death has not been made public, and it remains unclear whether an underlying medical condition may have contributed to the tragedy.

Career defined by visual storytelling

Mukoya was a senior videographer in the Standard Group’s editorial department, where he had worked since joining the media house in 2013. Over more than a decade, he played a central role in strengthening visual journalism across the company’s platforms, earning respect for his creativity, professionalism and commitment to storytelling.

The media house credited him with helping elevate the quality of visual content, particularly at a time when digital and multimedia journalism was rapidly evolving. His work not only informed audiences but also set high standards for camerawork and visual narrative in Kenyan newsrooms.

Among his most notable career milestones was winning the 2016 CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Award alongside journalist Asha Mwilu, an achievement that placed him among the continent’s most respected media professionals.

Colleagues and friends remember Mukoya as more than just a skilled cameraman. Many described him as a dependable team player who freely shared knowledge and supported younger journalists finding their footing in the industry.

Tributes from colleagues and leaders

Tributes poured in shortly after news of his death broke, with fellow journalists highlighting both his professional excellence and personal warmth. ODM Communications Director Phillip Etale recalled a long friendship that spanned several media houses.

“What a sad way to end a colourful and cheerful Christmas Day,” Etale wrote, reflecting on their shared journey from training days at KIMC through stints at KBC, Citizen and later KTN. He described Mukoya as a dedicated cameraman, a good footballer and a close friend whose passing had deeply shaken him.

Journalist Yusuf Ibrahim also paid tribute, remembering Mukoya as a kind, polite soul and a brilliant journalist, while offering prayers for mercy and forgiveness.

Mukoya’s death comes amid a sombre period for the media industry, following closely on the loss of KBC Mayienga FM Head of Radio Festus Amimo just two weeks earlier. Together, the tragedies have renewed conversations about the pressures and unseen risks faced by media professionals, even as colleagues rally to honour the legacies left behind.

As condolences continue to flow, many in the industry say Mukoya will be remembered for his lens, his teamwork and his lasting contribution to Kenyan journalism.