MCK mourns veteran journalist George Githii
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has expressed sorrow following the death of George Githii, a towering figure in Kenyan journalism, who passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the age of 89.
In its statement released on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, MCK described Githii as a titan of Kenyan journalism, recognising his transformative role in shaping the country’s press.
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The council said he revolutionised Kenyan journalism with bold editorials, confronting authority and defending truth even when it meant facing personal risks, including exile in Canada.
In its tribute, MCK said that from Kenya to the global stage, Githii’s sharp pen and steadfast integrity inspired generations, adding that his legacy lives on in every journalist committed to press freedom.
The council also pledged to honour him by recommitting to ethical and fearless journalism.
“The Media Council of Kenya joins friends, family, and the media community in mourning the loss of George Githii, a titan of Kenyan journalism, who passed away on 7 November 2025, aged 89. As Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Nation and The Standard during the 1960s and 1980s, Mr Githii revolutionised Kenya’s press with bold editorials, confronting authority and defending truth despite personal risks, including exile to Canada. From Kenya to the global stage, his sharp pen and steadfast integrity inspired generations. Mr Githii’s legacy lives on in every journalist championing press freedom. We honour him by rededicating ourselves to ethical, fearless journalism,” the statement read.
Githii’s career
Githii’s career spanned several decades during which he held key editorial positions at Kenya’s leading newspapers. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Nation in the 1960s and later of The Standard in the 1980s.
Known for his fearless writing and sharp intellect, Githii consistently challenged government excesses and resisted interference from media owners.
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One of the most notable moments in his career came in 1968 when he prepared an obituary for then-President Jomo Kenyatta while Kenyatta was still alive, a decision that led to his dismissal from the Daily Nation.
In 1982, while at The Standard, he wrote an editorial opposing detention without trial, calling the law inconsistent with the principles of justice.
He was subsequently dismissed from his post.
