Over 500 media practitioners across the country converged at Kapsuser centre in Kericho County last Saturday to pay their last respects to a departed colleague Moses arap Marta.
Marta, who passed away on May 5, 2019 at Tenwek Mission hospital in Bomet County, was until his death an employee of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology, heading the Kenya News Agency (KNA) office in Kericho County.
ICT Principal Secretary, Jerome Ochieng in a condolence message read on his behalf by the Director of Government Advertising Agency (GAA) Gwaro Ogaro eulogized the deceased as veteran journalist, who for 33 years dedicated his life to serving Kenyans in various parts of the country.
“Marta served in various capacities in the Ministry from a reporter, assistant information officer, district information officer to Kericho County information officer,” Ochieng said.
The PS said the late journalist had served the Counties of Nakuru, Samburu, Nandi, Kisumu, Siaya, Nairobi, Uasin Gishu,Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho and out due to his outstanding services, he was awarded Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) in 1996 by the retired president Daniel arap Moi.
Ogaro said,“ Our departed colleague had also mentored many journalists in his career, the reason as to why on his interment Saturday, we are having representation from various media houses is a testament that many of those present, had indeed gone through his hands in our elaborate internship programme.”
Ogaro challenged journalists to emulate the late Marta, who despite his falling health, he continued to work hard, even at times surpassing his targets.
The deceased widow, Agnes Marta moved mourners to tears when she said the late journalist loved his job so much, to an extent that he covered stories using a laptop even when on his hospital bed.
She said that her husband was a true hero and promised to carry on with his legacy of integrity, love for family and hardwork.
“You have left behind wonderful memories to the family and colleagues, you were our pastor, mentor, father and a husband and we are grateful for everything we shared including jokes, even when you were in great pain, we will miss you,” she eulogized her husband of many years.
Journalist who were given chance to speak eulogized their fallen colleague as a great teacher who would often go out of his way to help them nurture their careers.
Marta who is survived by his wife, four sons and a daughter was due for retirement in October this year on medical grounds, after he was diagnosed with a nerves disease in 2013, which paralyzed his legs but he continued with his duties until his demise.
By Joseph Obwocha
