George Mbugguss
A great Kiswahili journalist
By FARAJ DUMILA
Coastweek - - The late Kenya newspaperman George Mbugguss
was the arch-model of a polished Kiswahili journalistic personality.
His
death has definitely robbed hundreds of up-coming Kiswahili journalists (and
their readers as well) of a highly committed editor. He was a paragon of the
media who contributed immensely in building up a good image of African
journalism. He was endowed with many
journalistic talents, being a brilliant News Editor and a perceptive weekly
columnist.
Wherever
and whenever a Kiswahili newspaper - especially so 'Taifa Leo' -
is read he will be fondly remembered: not only for his well-written articles
but much more so for the professional planning and layout of his pages.
I
always found George to be very helpful and co-operative with all his colleagues.
His own peers - who included Omar Chambati, Bob Muthusi, Joe Kadhi, Maurice
Sichalwe and Joe Khamis - also admired his editorial output and his obvious
dedication and devotion to his career.
This
writer was privileged to have worked with him when Nation newspapers established a weekly pull out
within Taifa Leo, known as 'Jifunze na Uendelee' for
newly literate readers.
This
was a generous offer given by the late Michel Curtis to the Board of Adult
Education, in co-operation of UNESCO and Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting (of which I was its representative to the editorial board).
He,
along with Harry Sambo, for six good years continuously edited the pull out to
the success and admiration of all concerned. I have known George since 196O and
ever since we became family friends.
George
Mbugguss was hard-working, punctual at his office, readily approachable and
always receptive to good ideas on Kiswahili writing. He was a man of his word,
reliable, and quick to fulfil his promise. He was an admirable
conversationalist with a good sense of humour.
He
was a resourceful newsman who could easily detect news values in any given item
based on their oddity, immediacy, conflict, proximity, suspense, emotion and
consequence. He had a sharp mind and considerable intellectual perception.
George
was a good man: Kenya has irreparably lost a great journalist.
.
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