Emeka-Mayaka Gekara

Hilary Boniface Ng’weno, who died on Wednesday aged 83, can easily be described as the father of Kenyan journalism.

Celebrated as exceptionally brilliant by editors who worked under him, Ng’weno was the first African Editor-in-Chief of The Nation.

He was also the first Kenyan to study at Harvard University where he studied nuclear physics.

But the Mang’u High School alumnus was to excel in the media where, besides editing the Daily Nation, he founded  the Weekly Review and the Nairobi Times.

Ng’weno was also behind the Makers of a Nation series, a historical documentary about Kenya’s pioneer politicians.

A New York Times article once described Ng’weno as the “most influential figure in journalism in post-independent Africa. “

President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned Ng’weno as a distinguished Kenyan whose contribution to the growth of the country’s media will be remembered for generations to come.

He said Ng’weno was a devoted patriot who despite having many opportunities to work abroad, used his journalistic skills to enlighten Kenyans on the country’s political, social and economic issues.

“Hilary Ng’weno is a Kenyan household name because of his immense journalistic achievements as an editor, publisher, broadcaster and documentary film maker,” the President said.

Ng’weno mentored most of the leading giants in the Kenyan media who honed their skills working for his publications.

They include veteran journalists Wachira Waruru, Jaindi Kisero, Joseph Odindo, Macharia Gaitho, Absalom Mutere, Amboka Andere, Kwendo Opanga, Rose Kimotho, Mutegi Njau, Blamuel Njururi, Peter Kareithi, Vitalis Musebe, Muiru Ngugi, Peter Warutere and Kibe Kamuyu.

Press freedom

Sarah Elderkin, Dishon Shangalla, Gitau Warigi, Roy Gachuhi, Matthew Gathigira and photographers Sam Ouma, Hos Maina and Wallace Gichere were also mentored by Ng’weno.

Deputy President William Ruto described Ng’weno as the father of Kenyan journalism.

“Our history as well as our destiny will bear the bold marks of his proud accomplishments,” Ruto said.

ODM leader Raila Odinga said Ng’weno said Ng’weno fought for press freedom.

“His example and mentorship paved the way for dozens of young journalists who have followed in his footsteps to bring us the news we so value today,” Raila said.