How Did Soni Methu Die? New Details About The Tragic Death Of Kenyan Journalist At 34
She was just 34.
Instagram Soni Methu, a Kenyan journalist who formerly hosted CNN's Inside Africa, is dead at the age of 34. She collapsed suddenly after complaining of stomach pains on Thursday. Her younger sister Faith Methu reported that Soni clutched her stomach and fell to the ground and appeared to be having a seizure. She was rushed to the hospital but died en route. The cause of death is unknown at this time. She was the first Kenyan host of Inside Africa and excited about presenting her home country to the world. People who worked with her at CNN said that she lit up any room she entered, was very kind and had great energy. Prior to working at CNN, Methu was the east Africa correspondent for South Africa's eNCA news channel for two years. In that job, she covered the Westgate Mall terrorist attack in Nairobi as well as other incidents and events in the region. Who is Soni Methu?
1. She loved her continent
Soni Methu graduated from Strathmore University in Nairobi. She went to work for the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation after college. She also starred in a dramatic television show called Hila and hosted the Taj Show. She worked as a reporter for E! News Africa and as well as the previously mentioned eNCA, which is where CNN recruited her from. She most recently worked as a reporter for the Chinese-owned news network CGTN. She had been working there since she left CNN in 2016. She hosted Inside Africa on CNN International between 2014 and 2015. On the show, she traveled to different countries on the African continent and highlighted the cultures and cuisines of each spot. She left because the show changed its format and no longer needed a host. She wrote on her Facebook page: "I am blessed to have toured across Africa. I embrace the beauty of our continent. A beautiful people with multiple cultures."
2. CNN tribute
Upon hearing the news of Soni Methu's death, CNN issued a statement saying: "We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague Soni Methu. Our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, from all at CNN."
3. Former collegues shocked at her death
Soni Methu's former collegues were shocked to learn of her death. Former CGTN correspondent Vauldi Carelse wrote: “Woke up this morning wishing the news we received yesterday wasn’t true. The continent’s lost one of its greatest storytellers and warmest hearts: Soni Methu. From @eNCA to @CNN and @cgtnafrica she covered people’s stories with compassion and undying optimism. Rest in Power."
4. Inside Africa
Inside Africa is the longest-running feature program on CNN International. Soni Methu was the first Kenyan host of the show.
Amy Lamare is a Los Angeles based freelance writer covering entertainment, pop culture, beauty, fashion, fitness, technology, and the intersection of technology, business, and philanthropy. She is deeply devoted to her chocolate Labrador and an avid long distance runner. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook.