KTN Machakos correspondent Japheth Makau is dead

Kenya Television Network (KTN) correspondent based in Machakos, Japheth Makau, has died.

The long-serving broadcast journalist passed away on Tuesday at Machakos Level Five Hospital.

According to his family, Makau died shortly before 11:00 a.m.

He had been receiving treatment at the facility prior to his passing.

A doctor attending to him said they had done all they could to save his life, but unfortunately, he succumbed.

Makau had been in and out of hospitals before his death.

He was discharged from the same facility last Friday but returned on Saturday after reportedly experiencing breathing difficulties.

Machakos Governor’s Advisor on Public Relations and Communications, Nickko Nyamai, joined the media fraternity in sending condolences to Makau's widow, family, and relatives.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Japheth Makau, whom I knew not just as a media colleague, but as a brother. Until his passing, he served as a correspondent with the Standard Group, where his dedication to truthful, balanced, and impactful reporting stood out," Nyamai said in a statement to newsrooms on Tuesday.

"His death is a heavy loss to the media fraternity and to all of us who worked closely with him. Machakos County has lost a committed professional, and the media has lost a passionate voice. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, and colleagues at the Standard Group during this difficult time. Rest in eternal peace, Japheth," he added.

Several Machakos-based journalists, led by their chairman Daniel Nzia, visited the hospital after being informed of Makau's death.

"Makau fought gallantly, but he has lost the battle. May his soul rest in eternal peace," Nzia said.

Nzia, who worked with Makau at The Standard Media Group for several years before the latter left the Mombasa Road-based media house, also extended condolences to Makau’s wife and entire family.