Kilifi Governor Kingi calls for end to speculations as journalist laid to rest
Journalists carry the casket bearing the remains of 'Standard' journalist Joseph Masha during his burial in Kolongoni Village, Kilifi County, on September 10, 2016. Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has called for an end to speculation about his death. PHOTO | KAZUNGU SAMUEL | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The governor said he did not believe in speculations and allegations doing rounds on social media.
- He asked those doing so to stop since it only helped in fuel controversy on the journalist's death.
- He described Masha as a dedicated journalist who worked through his profession to bring changes in the region.
- Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor said samples would be taken to South Africa for further analysis.
Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has called for an end to speculation about the death of The Standard reporter Joseph Masha, who died a week ago.
Addressing mourners during Mr Marsha's burial in Kolongoni Village on Saturday, Governor Kingi said the matter should be left to investigators.
The governor said he did not believe in speculation and allegations doing the rounds on social media and asked those doing so to stop since it only helped in fuelling more controversy about the journalist's death.
“Please let us all wait for the report from the investigating agencies.
“After the report is out, everyone will know what killed Masha. At the moment, we should concentrate on helping this family deal with huge challenges ahead, following the death of their lived one," said Mr Kingi.
He described Masha as a dedicated journalist who worked through his profession to bring changes in the region.
SCHOOL DONATION
“He was a board member of Lutsangani Secondary School and a week before his death, he had shared with me a request to assist the school. Because of his quest for education, the county government will donate Sh500,000 towards the school’s infrastructure,” said Mr Kingi.
The governor pledged personal assistance of Sh500,000 to the widow and the children, money that he said would be used in educating Masha’s children.
Mr Kingi was accompanied by Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, MPs Gunga Mwinga (Kaloleni), William Mtengo (Malindi) and William Kamoti (Rabai).
Deputy Governor Kenneth Kamto and former Labour Minister Kazungu Kambi also attended the burial.
The leaders eulogised Mr Masha as a dedicated and professional journalist.
Mr Kambi said he will push the government to hasten the release of the report on the death of the journalist to end the family's agony and end speculation.
The 51-year-old journalist died on September 3, 2016 after collapsing in his house.
On Friday, Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor led five doctors in conducting an autopsy on the journalist’s body and said samples would be taken to South Africa for further analysis.
