Speculation has swirled across social media over the absence of celebrated journalist Jeff Koinange from Citizen TV, with fans questioning whether the veteran anchor has been fired or quietly exited the station.
The rumors gained momentum after Jeff Koinange Live (JKL), the prime-time talk show that has long carried his name, continued to air without him.
Other presenters, including Ayub Abdikadir, have been filling in as hosts while the program still retains the “JKL” branding.
However, according to his Hot 96 co-host, Fanya Mambo Kinuthia, the rumors are entirely false.
“Kenya is full of unfounded rumours,” Kinuthia wrote. “I have sat on a show with Jeff on Hot 96 Breakfast every Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. for almost two years. Jeff Koinange was never fired. He was not kicked out for being drunk on set, as some people allege. You are so wrong on your assumptions.”
Kinuthia added that while it has been two months since the pair last hosted together, Jeff’s absence is not linked to disciplinary action.
“We miss him on the show as well. But believe you me, he was never fired,” he said.
Koinange’s absence has puzzled fans, especially since Jeff Koinange Live continues to broadcast under his name.
Fans React to Jeff Koinange’s Absence
Viewers have been left wondering why the “JKL” brand remains unchanged when the host is off-air, prompting Facebook users, such as Wahome Thuku, to quip, “So, what does JK still mean?”
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As speculation continues over his absence, fans have taken to social media to share messages of concern, respect, and admiration for the celebrated journalist.
One fan, Alex Mutus, urged the public to respect Koinange’s privacy amid the speculation.
“We give our brother his respect and privacy. He might be having some personal matters, including health issues, to deal with. Good luck to him,” Mutus wrote.
Joseph Gitonga dismissed rumors of dismissal, saying Jeff’s reputation speaks for itself.
“Jeff is an amazing guy, and trust me, ‘fired’ is a word that can’t be in the same statement with the noun ‘Jeff Koinange,’” Gitonga commented.
Susan Onchere reflected the sentiment of many longtime viewers who miss his commanding presence on air.
“I miss Jeff so much, especially on the Citizen JKL show. We need to know what is happening,” she wrote.
Who is Jeff Koinange
Jeff Koinange, one of Kenya’s most recognizable broadcast figures, has anchored on major networks including CNN, K24, and KTN before joining Royal Media Services.
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He is known for his booming voice. Koinange has built a legacy of high-profile interviews and engaging public discourse.
He made history as the first African to serve as an anchor on the global news network, cementing his reputation as a world-class journalist.
After leaving CNN, Jeff returned to Kenya and became the face of K24 TV, where he hosted Capital Talk, a program that featured interviews with political leaders, celebrities, and opinion-shapers.
His unique style quickly made the show a household name.
He later joined Arise Television in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he covered pan-African stories, before returning to Kenya to launch Jeff Koinange Live on KTN in 2013.
The program became a staple of Kenyan political and social discourse, attracting high-profile guests and nationwide viewership.
In 2017, Jeff moved to Citizen TV under Royal Media Services, where Jeff Koinange Live continues to air.
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