Journalist Rashid Idi dies after short illness, family says

Celebrated Videographer Rashid Mukoya Idi./COURTESY

Award winning videographer with the Standard Group Rashid Mukoya Idi has died after a short illness, his family has confirmed.

Idi passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2025 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Nairobi, his family and employer said. 

His colleagues said he on Wednesday complained he was not feeling well. He complained of headaches. 

His wife asked him to go to hospital but he said he would self medicate. 

The wife left for work and on coming back she found him on the floor struggling to breathe and sweating profusely. 

He was rushed to hospital and he was taken straight to ICU where he died. 

Many in the profession have mourned him as a good man. 

The body was moved to the mortuary pending autopsy and other procedures. 

He was a respected member of the Standard Group Editorial Department, where he served with dedication, professionalism and creativity.

He joined the organisation on January 17, 2013, and worked for more than a decade, making significant contributions to visual storytelling and editorial excellence across the company’s platforms.

His work earned him the 2016 CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Award, which he won alongside journalist Asha Mwilu.

Colleagues remember Idi as humble, dependable and deeply committed to his craft, describing him as a team player.

According to the family, arrangements are underway to transport his body to Malaba on Friday ahead of his burial scheduled for Saturday December 27, 2025.

Idi's death comes just days after the media fraternity also mourned the demise of  legendary radio presenter Amina Fakii on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Mining CS Hassan Ali Joho described her as a towering figure in Kenya’s broadcasting history, whose legacy will be remembered for generations.

In a condolence message shared after news of her passing, Joho mourned Fakii as a distinguished broadcaster who served the public with dedication, and integrity.

"It is with deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and loved ones of the legendary KBC radio presenter Amina Fakii following the sad news of her passing," he said.

He noted that her contribution to public radio placed her among the pioneers who helped shape Kenya’s media landscape at a formative time in the country’s history.

"Mama Amina Fakii, a distinguished broadcaster, made an invaluable contribution to the media industry and served the public with dedication, professionalism and integrity." the CS said in a post.

His message added the nation, and particularly the media fraternity, had lost a trusted voice that informed, educated and accompanied Kenyans in their daily lives.