Colleagues Carry the Casket of KTN's Videographer Japheth Makau to the grave. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Family, friends, colleagues and leaders on Friday gathered at Kwa Kea Village in Malili, Makueni County, to bid an emotional farewell to the late KTN journalist Japheth Makau, whose life and work left an indelible mark on his family, the media fraternity and the communities he served.
Tributes painted the picture of a man defined not only by professional excellence but also by deep love, faith and selflessness.
Speaking during the funeral service, Makau’s widow, Jackline Mbithe, delivered a heart-wrenching tribute that revealed the depth of his devotion to family. She recalled that even while confined to a hospital bed, Makau’s thoughts were never about himself.
“He worried about us, prayed for us, and made sure we were taken care of. He continued to provide, to encourage and to love with everything he had,” she said.
She described him as a loving and dependable husband whose strength lay not in physical ability, but in unwavering faith and hope. Makau, she said, spoke about the future with excitement and had plans for family togetherness, memories and joy. One such plan was a promised family trip to Mombasa in January, meant to bring happiness after a subdued Christmas.
“That promise reflected his heart — a man who valued family, time and shared happiness. His death brought those plans to a sudden end, and learning how to move forward without him is a journey he never had a chance to prepare us for,” she said.
Makau’s professional legacy was highlighted by Standard Group Acting Chief Executive Officer Chacha Mwita, in a condolence message read by Operations Editor Andy Kagwe. The message detailed a distinguished career that began in 2009 when Makau joined the Standard Group as a videographer correspondent based in Machakos County.
He excelled in both print storytelling and camera work, producing compelling visuals and narratives that informed and inspired audiences nationwide. He had a particular passion for agriculture and science reporting, making notable contributions to the Farm Kenya Initiative through insightful coverage of farming innovations, smart agriculture, livestock feed solutions and community empowerment.
Makau was also instrumental in the production of The Next Frontier, an agribusiness television programme that explored innovative farming techniques and farmer success stories across Kenya.
“With an unmatched work ethic, he executed his duties with unwavering commitment and pride,” the message read. “He stood out as a person of integrity and dedication, generously sharing his knowledge with young journalists and urging them to remain authentic and uphold high standards in a rapidly changing media environment.”
The Standard Group described his death as a devastating blow to colleagues and the wider media fraternity, noting that his legacy would endure long beyond his years.
Leaders also paid glowing tribute to Makau’s role in public interest journalism. In a condolence message by Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, read by Finance Executive Committee Member Catherine Mutanu, the governor described Makau as a dedicated professional and a true son of Makueni County.
“Japheth was not just a correspondent; he was a storyteller who carried the heartbeat of Machakos and relayed it to the world,” the message read.
The governor praised his objective and balanced reporting, noting that he understood the critical role of the media in development. Through his work, Makau helped keep the public informed about county projects while remaining firm, truthful and constructive in his coverage.
“His work helped bridge the gap between government and the people,” the message stated, adding that his legacy would live on through the high standards of integrity he set.
A deeply personal tribute came from Philip Keitany, a KTN reporter who worked closely with Makau for years. Keitany recalled meeting Makau in 2010, the year they both joined KTN, and working alongside him on numerous assignments in Machakos and Makueni counties.
In 2016, the two launched The Next Frontier, driven by their shared passion for agriculture. Keitany revealed that nearly all the footage on the programme was shot by Makau, who also served as the cameraman.
Together, they travelled extensively across Kenya and abroad, visiting countries including the Netherlands, South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and Ethiopia.
“His death is a very heavy blow to me, both professionally and personally,” Keitany said.
As Makau was laid to rest, mourners reflected on a life lived in service — to truth, to community and to family. Though his passing has left a painful void, tributes affirmed that Japheth Makau’s legacy of love, integrity and impactful storytelling will continue to inspire long after his final sign-off.
