Gathua, popularly known as Mzee wa Kazi, previously worked at Inooro FM under the Royal Media Services (RMS), Kayu FM and Uganjo FM.
The Kenyan media fraternity has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran radio presenter Martin Kihara Wa Gathua. Earlier reports indicated that he passed away at Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) on Sunday, October 13 while receiving treatment.
His family confirmed that Kihara succumbed to cancer while undergoing treatment. Gathua, popularly known as Mzee wa Kazi, previously worked at Inooro FM under the Royal Media Services (RMS), Kayu FM and Uganjo FM.
His brother, Museveni Mugathua revealed that Kihara had been suffering from Lung Cancer and had been at the KU Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before his sudden passing, which came a day after the family made an online appeal for blood donations and financial assistance to cover his mounting medical bills.
The late former Inooro FM presenter Martin Kihara wa Gathua. /FILE
His colleagues in the industry mourned him as a hardworking journalist who served his country diligently.
“Sad news. When I visited you in the hospital on Sunday, you assured me you will be well. Unfortunately, you have rested. God has done his will. Having worked with you from Inooro FM, Mt Kenya TV, and Gicicio FM and TV. You served the country diligently. RIP Mzee wa Kazi Kihara Gathua,” wrote journalist Macharia Wangui.
Macharia Gachuru, a journalist at the Office of the Deputy President described him as a legend who was dedicated to his work. “A soldier has rested, a legend and a friend. Rest well mzee wa kazi Kihara Gathua,” Gachuru wrote on X.
RMS journalist Moses Ngige mourned his colleague and requested to assist the family in clearing the pending hospital bills. “It’s a dark Sunday. Cancer has taken the life of Kihara wa Gathua. May he Rest in Peace. Help us clear the hospital bill through PAY BILL No. 8059241 and Account No. Martin Kihara Gathua,” he said.
On October 1, John Kamau shared information that the presenter was admitted at KU Teaching and Referral Hospital, revealing that he was in urgent need of a donation of blood platelets to boost his treatment but failed to provide details about the condition or disease.
The presenter’s death comes barely a year after he lost his mother. Kihara ruled the airwaves of top Kikuyu Radio stations with his deep baritone voice as a newscaster.
He was born at Kamiruru in Kieni Constituency in Nyeri County and studied at the Consolata Institute of Communications and Technology Studies where he pursued a course in journalism. Afterwards, he got an attachment at Kenya News Agency (KNA) in Nyeri where he honed his skills, an opportunity which allowed him to join Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) from 2002 to 2003 where cohosted a Currant Affairs Program.
Before his 7-month contract lapsed at KBC, Kihara Wa Gathua joined Inooro FM where he built his stature and profile, beginning as the radio station’s reporter and working under the current Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba.
He later transitioned from a reporter to a news anchor where his talent and flare for reading news became increasingly evident. So good was he that he went straight to work on the morning shift alongside his boss, Wa Muchomba.
He worked at Inooro FM from 2003 to 2018 in the news department and later as the head of the department. He is credited to have set the standards of reporting at Inooro FM moulding many talents in the media landscape.
Upon leaving Inooro FM, he went and founded Iganjo FM (Soap Media) in his capacity as the head of the station from 2018 to 2019 where he is credited with contributing to building the station from scratch.
In 2022, Kihara unsuccessfully vied for the Kieni MP seat. He is now survived by a widow Wangui Wa Kihara and three children.
