The Kenyan journalism community is in mourning following the passing of seasoned journalist John Kibera Otanga, who lost his battle with blood cancer. Otanga, who had courageously fought the disease for over a decade, gained national attention in December 2020 when he appealed for Sh4 million in medical funds to pursue treatment in India.
The heartfelt plea, where Otanga described his worsening condition and sought financial assistance, resonated deeply with his colleagues and the wider public. In a show of solidarity, the Kenyan media community rallied behind Otanga, demonstrating the unity and compassion within their ranks.
Leukaemia, the form of blood cancer Otanga battled, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal blood cells, disrupting the essential functions of normal blood cells responsible for fighting infections and producing new blood cells.
Despite the collective efforts to raise funds and support his journey to India for further treatment, Otanga’s health took a tragic turn, leading to his passing. His death serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless challenges faced by cancer patients in Kenya, even amid advancements in medical care.
The loss of Otanga comes closely on the heels of another tragic event within the media community, as Dickens Wasonga, a journalist with Radio Africa Group’s The Star newspaper, succumbed to a fatal road accident on Friday, January 26th. The back-to-back losses underscore the vulnerability of life and the ongoing struggles in the fight against health-related adversities in the country.
As tributes pour in for John Kibera Otanga, his legacy as a dedicated journalist and his resilience in facing a formidable health challenge will be remembered by those who admired his contributions to the field and the broader community.
