Since President William Ruto took office, a wave of dismissals has swept through top government positions, leaving several media professionals out in the cold.
Some of these individuals have been fired for political reasons, budget constraints or reshuffling. However, one thing is clear, the media’s role in Ruto’s administration is facing a significant change.
While some of these dismissals have sparked concern among industry players and members of the public, some have noted that it is a natural part of the government’s efforts to align its communication strategy.
As these media professionals pack up their desks, their stories offer a glimpse into the often-unseen pressures that shape Kenya’s media landscape.
This article dives into the stories of some of these media professionals who have been shown the door while working in top government offices.
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Media Personality Nyambane Fired
Walter Onchonga Mong’are popularly known as Nyambane was fired in April 2024 from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
He served as the Director of Programs (Advocacy and Outreach) under the ministry.
“This is to inform you that Walter Onchonga Mongáre, Director of Programs (Advocacy & Outreach) is no longer authorized to act in any capacity on behalf of the State Department or myself,” Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Korir Sing’Oei said while announcing the dismissal.
Nyambane also served as the Director and Youth Advisor during the reign of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He served in the Jubilee government from 2017 to February 2022 when he resigned to vie for the presidency. However, his candidacy was revoked after IEBC received information concerning his academic qualifications.
Additionally, he has worked as the Group Head of Radio Services at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and other senior positions in the media industry.
However, Mong’are rose to fame in the early 2000 when he was part of Red Kona comedy group (Reddykyulas).
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Salim Swaleh
Swaleh was fired from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in June 2024, where he served as the Director of Press Service.
He was shown the door after he was arrested following allegations of fraud.
According to the DPP, Swaleh and four other individuals fraudulently tried to persuade foreign nationals from Dubai and South Africa to pay a registration fee for a tender to construct two stadiums for the Afcon 2027 games.
Swaleh, along with Otieno Japolo Michael, Terry Kemunto Sese, Daniel Omondi Gogo, and John Musundi Wabomba, are accused of attempting to defraud Nexor-Emea Engineering Consultancy Company of Ksh5.8 million.
On Monday, August 26, he sent a tearful apology to his former boss Musalia Mudavadi, revealing that his life had taken a turn for the worse after his dismissal.
Also Read: Kathleen Openda: Profile of Ex-KTN Journalist Fired by Ruto
Kathleen Openda
Kathleen Openda Mvati is a former Kenya Television Network (KTN) journalist who has worked as a communications consultant for more than 20 years.
She was fired from the Council of Kenya Institute of Mass Communication in September 2023, where she served as the chairperson.
In August 2018, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Kathleen Openda to the council of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication – KIMC as its chairperson.
Before that, she was the director in charge of communication and media at the secretariat which ran Opposition Leader Raila Odinga’s 2017 election campaigns.
However, Ruto replaced Openda with former Police Spokesperson Charles Owino, a career uniformed officer who unsuccessfully joined politics in 2022.
Samuel Maina
Samuel Maina is the former Acting Managing Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). He was fired from the position in December 2023.
According to the ministry of Information and Communication, Maina was suspended for committing the government to pay Ksh641 billion (USD5.0 billion) in the London Court of International Arbitration, for Channel Group 2 Corporation vs KBC without seeking concurrence.
In addition, he was put on the spot after questions were raised in the Auditor General’s report on a Ksh7 billion loan borrowed by KBC to buy equipment in 1989.
Maina was ordered to proceed on suspension and await disciplinary action from the Board.
Also Read: Gachagua’s Aide Pens Message to Ruto After Being Fired “Over Social Media”
Martha Miano
Martha Miano was the Deputy Director of Communications at the office of the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua until August 21, 2024.
She learnt of the termination of her contract through social media, after the dismissal letter went viral.
Following the social media reports, she penned a letter to the head of state and his deputy, appreciating them for the opportunity to serve under them in the top office.
“It’s unfortunate that my termination letter had to pass through social media to get to me. As at now, I have not seen or received the letter. But It’s okay. I think that’s how life is,”
“I walk head high without shame or regrets. My heart is full, and my conscience is clear. To my former boss under the Presidency President William Ruto, thank you very much.” she stated.
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