DP Ruto, CJ Willy Mutunga lead Kenyans in mourning KTN news anchor

NAIROBI, KENYA: The Deputy President William Ruto has joined Kenyans in mourning KTN’s news anchor Ahmed Dharwesh who was scheduled to be laid to rest Tuesday evening. On his Twitter handle @WilliamsRuto, he said: @darweshdaru was a great journalist. He graced our screens with a rare smile that made @KTNLeo even more interesting to watch. RIP.

On his Twitter handle @WMutunga, The Chief Justice, Dr Willy Mutung mourned the fallen anchor saying: Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un  "We surely belong to Allah & to Him we shall return." Ahmed Darwesh,Ktn Anchor

Speaker Justin Muturi has also mourned Dharwesh. The Speaker said he learnt of the death late Monday just before he slept, and for him, the broadcaster’s death was a moment of “painful agony”.

“In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all, and particularly with the loss of a pillar of Kiswahili news, it comes with painful agony,” said the Speaker in a condolence message on behalf of all the MPs in the National Assembly.

“Our country has lost a gentleman. We stand with you. I will miss that voice tonight as I watch KTN 7 O’clock news,” said Muturi.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un  "We surely belong to Allah & to Him we shall return." Ahmed Darwesh,Ktn Anchor,” wrote the Chief Justice on Twitter.

Darwesh died at 37.

Kenyans on Twitter including his media colleagues, institutions, politicians, prominent personalities also mourned Dharwesh.

Many eulogized him using his name ‘Ahmed Dwaresh’ which was trending.

Alex Chamwada ‏@AlexChamwada: So sad, so abrupt. AHMED DARWESH has left us. #RIPDarwesh. My condolences to family, friends and the KTN team.

FORZIA ADEN ‏@ForziaA: We surely belong to Allah and to Him shall we return.. RIP Ahmed Darwesh..we loved you but God loved you more.

Kiambu Governor William Kabogo was not left behind,  ‏@governorwkabogo: Rest in Peace Ahmed Darwesh @darweshdaru. Condolences to the family, @KTNKENYA and to the media fraternity.

KAKA EMPIRE ‏@Kaka_Empire: Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ahmed Darwesh's Family, Friends and Colleagues. R. I. P Ahmed Darwesh.

Radio Fahari 91.2 ‏@RadioFahari: Ahmed Darwesh of KTN you were Great TV personality From FahariFm fraternity we say #RIPDarwesh @AzuTopshutter.

Dennis Onsarigo ‏@Donsarigo: Ahmed Darwesh just defined afresh the phrase "life is short"; go well brother... Inalillahi waina illaihi rajiun...

Oyunga Pala ‏@realoyungapala: Ahmed Darwesh was a brilliant anchor and calm soul. We will truly miss him. Condolences to his family and colleagues @KTNKenya #ripdarwesh.

Ian Wafula ‏@Ian_Wafula: He interviewed me for my internship @KTNKenya and believed in me. Such humour, inspiration, courage and professionalism. R.I.P Ahmed Darwesh

Media Council Kenya ‏@MediaCouncilK : Our condolences to the family of the late Ahmed Darwesh.The media industry has lost a great professional,a gentleman.@KTNLeo @KTNKenya @Stan

Joy Doreen BIIRA ‏@JoyDoreenBiira: I celebrate you Ahmed Darwesh. May God comfort your family through this tough time.

Dharwesh joined KTN on 24th February 2005 as an Anchor/Reporter and has served in various capacities.  In 2007, he was promoted to the position of Senior Anchor/Reporter.  He was promoted again in 2010 to the position of Senior Anchor/Quality Editor, Swahili Services. 

He held that position for two years when he was re-designated to Senior Anchor/Lead Producer Swahili News in 2012.  In 2014, he served as the Acting Head of Swahili Desk providing leadership to the KTN Leo team at a time there was a void.

“Daro” as he was fondly referred to on the Editorial Floor, was a new father, a friend to many, a mentor and an astute entrepreneur.  His sudden death is a shock to the Standard Group Family.  

The death of KTN Swahili News Anchor Ahmed Dharwesh has dealt a hard blow to his fans, The Standard Group fraternity and family.

Dharwesh passed on yesterday 14th Dec, 2015 at his home after being found in his house in the evening by his colleagues.

Dharwesh’s body was taken to Mater Hospital and will be buried today 4pm at Kikowani Cemetery in Mombasa.