Kenyan International Journalist ‘Soni Methu’ Dies in Unclear Circumstances

Soni Methu, Kenya’s first journalist to host CNN’s Inside Africa show and a reporter with the China Global Television Network (CGTN) is dead.

Soni died in a hotel in Diani on Thursday 11th April evening in Diani after suffering a short sudden illness.

Soni cried in pain while clutching her stomach before collapsing at around 6 pm according to her younger sister Faith.

“She started looking like she was having a seizure and my sister-in-law rushed her to the hospital but she died on the way. We don’t know much but a post-mortem will be done to tell exactly what happened,” Faith wrote while explaining on social media.

Soni was a budding journalist who began her career at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) before moving to South Africa’s eNCA as an East African correspondent, where CNN tapped her, a move that changed her career in 2014. Soni, a Strathmore University alumnus later moved to CGTN in 2016 after her show with CNN no longer required a host.

The media fraternity has come out in large numbers to mourn one of their own whom they have unanimously referred to as a great storyteller

Woke up this morning wishing the news we received yesterday wasn’t true. The continent’s lost one of its greatest storytellers and warmest hearts: Soni Methu. From @eNCA to @CNN and @cgtnafrica she covered people’s stories with compassion and undying optimism. Rest in Power ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/LzvTdEBGQp

— Vauldi Carelse (@vauldicarelse) April 12, 2019

I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing on of my good friend and former colleague Soni Methu last evening. May the lord grant yout soul eternal peace! RIPSoni!

— Nic Oloo (@nickoloo) April 12, 2019