Peter Okong’o, a former journalist with Standard Group, has passed away.
According to his family, Okong’o died at his residence on Wednesday night.
His son reported that medical professionals, who were summoned to the home, confirmed his death.
This occurred following the onset of symptoms associated with a heart attack.
“My father was pronounced dead by the paramedics whom I had called for held 10 minutes prior to what seemed like a heart attack,” he said.
Okong’o served as the deputy managing editor at the Standard from 2011 to 2018, having transitioned to the organization from Nation Media Group, where he held the position of business editor.
Subsequently, he took on a consultancy role at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
He obtained his postgraduate degree in journalism from the University of Nairobi in 1996.
Oloo Janak, the former chairman of the Kenya Correspondent Association, remarked that the industry has lost one of its most distinguished journalists.
“He was an excellent business editor at the Standard Media Group for a long time and thereafter transitioned to Media and Communication consultancy,” he said.
According to Janak, he was recently in charge of the Kenya Year Book, documenting Kenya’s history. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
The Editors’ Guild president Zubeida Kananu also mourned Okongo.
Until his passing, Okongo was the Editorial Manager for Kenya Year Book.
“His legacy and contributions to excellent business journalism will remain with us forever. Many journalists paying tribute have described Peter as a gentleman, great journalist and business editor who was down to earth and full of humility,” said Kananu.
Peter became a member of the Kenya Editors’ Guild in 2021 and actively engaged in strengthening the relationship between the Guild and the Kenya Year Book.
The Guild maintained a partnership with the Kenya Year Book, which allowed it to receive various publications aimed at promoting Kenya.
In August and September, Okongo faced health challenges. After recovering, he resumed his duties in September.
On Wednesday, October 30, he suffered from a headache and chest pains, said goodnight to his children, and went to rest.
Later that evening, his son Nathan called for paramedics as his condition deteriorated.
He was declared deceased at 1:28 AM.
A condolence book has been made available at the offices of the Kenya Editors’ Guild.
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