The media industry in East Africa has been thrown into mourning following the death of Rashid Idi a senior videographer with the Standard Group who passed away after a short illness. His family confirmed that he died at a hospital in Nairobi bringing to an end a professional journey that spanned more than a decade of dedicated service to journalism and visual storytelling.
Rashid Idi joined the Standard Group in 2013 and quickly built a reputation as a committed and highly skilled videographer whose work helped shape the organisations broadcast and digital output. Colleagues describe him as a quiet professional who allowed his work to speak for him often taking on demanding assignments without complaint and delivering high quality visuals under tight deadlines.
During his years at the Standard Group Rashid covered major national and regional events ranging from political developments and security operations to social issues and human interest stories. His camera work captured defining moments in Kenyas recent history and helped audiences better understand complex issues through compelling visuals. Many of his assignments took him to difficult environments where he worked with courage patience and a strong sense of responsibility.
News of his death spread quickly across newsrooms and social media platforms prompting an outpouring of tributes from journalists editors photographers and media professionals across the country. Many described him as dependable disciplined and deeply passionate about his craft. Others recalled his willingness to mentor younger colleagues and support teammates during challenging field assignments.
The Standard Group in a brief internal communication expressed deep sadness over the loss describing Rashid as a valued member of its editorial family. The organisation acknowledged his years of service and the impact of his work noting that his absence would be felt across its television and digital platforms. Management extended condolences to his family friends and colleagues while calling on staff to honour his memory by upholding the professional standards he stood for.
Family members said Rashid had been unwell for a short period before his death but remained hopeful of recovery. His passing they said came as a painful shock especially to those who interacted with him regularly and knew him as a devoted family man and hardworking professional. They appealed for privacy as funeral arrangements were being made.
Beyond the newsroom Rashid was known among friends as humble respectful and deeply committed to his responsibilities. Those close to him said he balanced the demands of a high pressure media career with strong family values and personal discipline. He was often described as someone who avoided the spotlight despite working behind the camera on high profile stories.
The death of Rashid Idi has once again drawn attention to the pressures faced by journalists and media workers particularly those involved in field reporting. Videographers often operate in high risk environments exposed to physical danger stress and long working hours. Media advocates have renewed calls for stronger support systems including health insurance mental health care and improved working conditions for journalists.
Professional associations and press freedom groups also issued condolence messages praising Rashid dedication to ethical journalism and visual documentation. They noted that the loss of experienced media professionals weakens institutional memory and underscores the need to nurture and protect those who work on the frontlines of information gathering.
As tributes continue to pour in many colleagues have shared memories of assignments where Rashid calm approach helped defuse tense situations. Others recalled moments when his attention to detail ensured stories were told accurately and respectfully especially in sensitive cases involving grief conflict or tragedy.
Rashid legacy according to those who worked closely with him lies not only in the footage he captured but also in the professionalism he demonstrated daily. His work contributed to public awareness accountability and democratic discourse values that remain central to the role of the media in society.
The Kenyan media community now prepares to bid farewell to one of its own reflecting on a career marked by quiet excellence and service. Rashid Idi leaves behind a body of work that will continue to inform and inspire as well as colleagues and loved ones who will remember him for his character dedication and humility.
As his family mourns the loss of a son husband and relative the industry he served pauses to acknowledge a life spent telling other peoples stories through the lens. In doing so many hope his commitment to truth accuracy and visual storytelling will live on through the next generation of journalists he inspired.
