‘I Am Broken, I Shall Miss You Dearly,’ Robert Nagila’s Heartfelt Tribute To Rita Tinina

Journalist Robert Nagila gave a heartfelt tribute to her longtime partner Rita Tinina during the requim mass at Holy Family Basilica, Nairobi, on March 25, 2024.

The couple are said to have been together for close to a decade and according to Robert’s uncle Fred Gumo, they were close to tying the note together in a big wedding.

Nagila started his speech by acknowledging the much that the late journalist had accomplished in her 45 years and how she touched many people’s hearts.

He talked about how the news of her death dearly impacted him and how he’s coping, “Over the past few days the one question that has constantly rang through my ears from wellwishers more than any other question is ‘how are you doing?’ Today as I stand here before you the answer to that question is ‘I am broken’. However, broken things can be mended whereas the loss of a loved one is absolute,” Robert Nagila said.

He reminisced on how they’re romantic with the late Rita came to being, “Your beauty, hearty laughter, and warm heart are the things that drew me to you. Your passing has left a void that cannot be filled but I’m comforted by the fact that the memories of times spent will live on.” He said.

Nagila noted that Tinina’s passing was a void that could not be filled.

“Last Sunday, your phone stopped ringing. Your passing has left a void that cannot be filled. But I am comforted with the fact that the memories of time spent will leave on with us,” he added.

Looking at Mia Malaikah ( his daughter with Tinina), Nagila said that she was deeply cherished by her mother.

“My dearest Mia, your mother loved you more than anything else in this world. You were her best friend her confidant,” he said

“And every single thing she did was centred around you and your future. Know this, You are loved so much and there is nothing we would not do for you.”

Robert Nagila regretted that Rita Tinina did not live to celebrate her 46th birthday yet she had just established her legacy.

“We all spend our lifetime chasing a legacy that we hope to be remembered for. It is remarkable that I find Rita Tinina established her legacy just shy of her 46th birthday. We are all here because Rita impacted our lives in a special way,” he said.

Burial

Rita died in her sleep last week out of what authorities described as severe pneumonia.

Veteran TV journalist Rita Tinina, who passed away last Sunday aged 46, will be buried at her family home at Noosupeni Farm Olokirikirai, Narok County on Wednesday, March 27.

A requiem mass in honour of the deceased will be at the Holy Family Basilica ahead of her planned interment.