Regina Mutoko; You Belong to the Ages.
By Mukurima X Muriuki
It is difficult to accept news that Regina Mutoko has passed on. While the first reaction would be to question God for taking her so soon, I am reminded of the teaching in the bible that God has plans for everything, and His plans are Yes and Amen.
Back in the 90’s there were not many great shows that had the Kenyan flavor, more than Omo-Pick-a-Box, and no one gave the show the popularity it deserved, more than the host Regina Mutoko. While her smile radiated on the screens every Sunday, disarming almost the entire country, her charm, poise and humility packaged to Kenyans a pioneer woman in the entertainment industry. She created a kind of comfort level in what she did that she would inspire a generation of media personalities who I can safely say, owe what they have been able to achieve courtesy of the pace set by Regina Mutoko.
Regina Mutoko always remained relevant. You could not write her off. While many of her colleagues in the entertainment industry in the 90’s have sublimated into oblivion, she kept on getting better; she kept on growing and inspiring others in different industries. As an ICT director at the USIU, Regina would play a role in shaping how the university implemented ICT related courses to remain relevant not only for the present but also to make sure the institution was an important cog in the engine of Kenya’s aspirations as ICT hub in Africa.
While I am aware that no one is perfect, I would admit I did not hear any false note in what Regina did. While many of her contemporaries would be mired in controversies, that was not something that would define Regina. Of course as she climbed the steep mountain of life, she may have sometimes scarred her knees; she may have in other times broken her skin. But Regina is a reminder that when we face challenges in life, never focus on the scars; focus on the journey.
To Caroline Mutoko, her parents, brothers, sisters, and the entire family; thank you for giving us someone that taught us how to remain relevant. Thank you for giving us Regina who taught us that to succeed in life, you must have different options. Thank you for giving us a trailblazer. I know your heart is broken. I know you have many similar comforting letters, but this was your child. This was your sister. This was your niece. This was your cousin. She was a mother. Nothing will fill your hearts’ loss. But I hope the love that people are showing will make you know Regina did not live in vain; that she indeed touched someone, that she in fact inspired someone, that she was a heroine to many others.
It is well; it is well; it is well