A somber mood engulfed Mediamax newsroom on Sunday, May 24, following the death of K24 and Kameme TV’s Molo-based correspondent George Kori.
Kori had been reported missing since last week before he was found dead near his family home in Elburgon, Nakuru County.
“Today, our hearts are heavy as we lose a valuable team member and hardworking journalist and as an organization, we wish to reiterate our support for his family and friends as they embark on funeral arrangements,” said Mediamax acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ken Ngaruiya, in communication to staff members.
Mr. Ngaruiya said that Kori’ death also calls for a deeper awareness and introspection on mental health issues.
“We vow to play a more enhance role in mental health awareness in the country as a tribute to him,” said the Medimax CEO.
The media fraternity was gutted to learn of his demise, with many sharing the good and productive times they shared with Kori.
“I remember in mid-2018 I was posted by Royal Media Services radio section as a correspondent in Molo. I was introduced to different sources by Kori, Jimson Waweru of Sauti ya Mwananchi and Amy where they all showed me the route…Koori was super in scripting,” said Robert Maina, who is based at the RMS.
Mt Kenya TV’s Simon Ngure said he met Kori in 2007 when they struck a warm friendship on and off work.
“Kori was not only a friend but a brother too. Too unfortunate that this happened. He once accompanied me when a young man nearly stabbed me when chasing a story about him in Mung’etho village in Kuresoi…,” said Ngure.
The Kenya Union of Journalists Nakuru Representative, Kioko wa Kipande, said that Kori had reached out to some of his colleagues about his struggle with depression.
“I have also learnt with shock that his case was known for long. He reached to some of us. Yes, maybe he never saw the greater purpose of reaching out to more people. But his case would have been addressed. We have stakeholders handling such cases. Depression is a disease and I am not sure any of us here has the expertise to handle. Let’s take it as a lesson however hard it is. May he RIP,” said Mr. Kipande.
Kori leaves behind a wife and two children.
