Veteran journalist Peter Okong'o passes away at 54

The Kenyan media industry is mourning the loss of Peter Okong’o, a veteran journalist, who dedicated over 25 years to journalism and media consulting. Okong’o passed away in the early hours of October 31, 2024, at his Nairobi home. He was 54.

The Okong’o family said he had been recuperating from health complications since August and had resumed work in September. On the evening of October 30, he complained of a headache and chest pains, prompting his son Nathan to call paramedics. He was pronounced dead shortly after midnight.

“My father was pronounced dead by the doctors whom I had called 10 minutes prior to what seemed like a heart attack,” Nathan said.

Standard Group Editor-in-Chief Ochieng Rapuro remembered Okong’o for his editorial skills, unique sense of humour, and warm presence. “He was one of the most quintessential newspaper editors Kenya has had,” Rapuro said. “He paid exceptional attention to the details. You would give him your copy, and he would return it polished to perfection.”

Mr Rapuro said he first met Okong’o at the University of Nairobi’s School of Journalism, where they both studied journalism and graduated together. “We both went into the newsrooms thereafter and flourished at the business desk moving up the ranks.” 

Known for his ability to manage his team and news production with calm resolve, Okong’o had a “conflict-avoiding personality,” Rapuro added. “He was a rather quiet individual but always teeming with energy if engaged -- a man who loved life and laughter. Sitting with him, you’d see the unique perspectives that defined his humour.”

Okong’o’s strength in silence earned him lasting friendships and respect across newsrooms. John Bundotich, the Editor of The Standard, who worked with Okong’o for many years, described him as “a professional and a gentleman, always dedicated to his work.”

“We have lost a fine journalist; the media fraternity is one man down,” Bundotich said. “We doubled as sub-editors at the business desk and later in senior newsroom leadership positions as editor of our newspaper while I served as chief editor.”

Former Standard Group Head of News Kipkoech Tanui, under whom Okong’o served as Deputy Managing Editor, praised him as a versatile journalist who easily crossed from business into politics. “He was part of a generation of reporters who expanded the scope of business journalism and did invaluable work in documenting Kenyan history across administrations. His footprint in Kenyan media will never be forgotten,” said Tanui.

In recent years, Okong’o had taken his wealth of experience to consulting roles with organizations such as Deutsche Welle Akademie and the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board, where he managed editorial projects on Kenya’s history.

Kenya Editors’ Guild President Zubeida Kananu said Okong’o’s legacy is one of excellence and humility. “He immensely contributed to the development of business journalism in Kenya. He was down to earth, a true gentleman.”

Kanau said Okong’o was more than just a talented journalist but a cherished colleague and a gentle giant whose impact will resonate for years to come.

Okong’o’s influence extended beyond newsrooms, with many mentees and colleagues alike recalling his leadership and support. Oketch Okendo, a veteran journalist, remembered him as “a diligent editor with a keen sense for news quality and deadlines. He was a team player, a passionate and committed leader who mentored countless journalists along the way.”

Former Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board CEO Edward Mwasi termed Okong’o’s dedication to work as unmatched. “My own success is in large part a result of his dedication and contributions to editorial content. Peter’s legacy of excellence and his vibrant spirit will be deeply missed,” he said.

Okong’o went to the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, where he pursued a degree in English from 1989 to 1994, before enrolling for a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication at the University of Nairobi.

In 1997, he joined Standard Media Group as an intern on the Sports desk at the Likoni Road office, launching a career that would see him become a prominent business editor and later a respected media consultant.

He was later hired as a sub-editor in 1999, where he served for two years. In 2003, he joined Nation Media Group (NMG) as a Business editor. He left NMG in 2008 to rejoin the Standard Group. Okong’o served as Associate Editor, Business, until 2011, when he was promoted to Deputy Managing Editor for the daily editions.

In December 2015, Okong’o left Standard Group with a wealth of experience to become a technical advisor on communications at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Four years later, in August 2019, he joined the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board as Editorial Manager.

Okong’o also worked at Mediamax in June 2019 as a consulting editor and Special Business Correspondent for People Daily. He served in other organizations in a consulting capacity, including Deutsche Welle Akademie, the International Association of Professional Writers and Editors, and Gina Din Group.