Some media personalities go silent after quitting their jobs, while others start side hustles, join other stations, or even secure promotions.
Some of these journalists either reduce their online presence or focus on other life engagements, leaving their fan base wondering about their whereabouts.
1. Jane Ngoiri
Jane is a celebrated Swahili news anchor. She resigned from Nation Media Group on January 28, 2021, without revealing her next move.
She had earlier assured her fans that she would announce her future plans through social media.
In December 2020, Jane received the Head of State Commendation from President Uhuru Kenyatta. However, just a month later, she resigned from her job.
Since then, she has reduced her social media activity, making it difficult to know her next steps.
2. Makori Ongechi
Makori Ongechi, an education reporter, also quit his job.
He resigned from Citizen TV on March 12, 2021, after four years at the station. Although he revealed that he had received offers from other local stations and the Ministry of Education, he went completely silent.
Instead of joining competing media houses, Ongechi opted to live a low-key life. He ventured into hawking farm produce such as tomatoes, bananas, and avocados sourced from his homeland in Kisii, earning him a significant income.
Makori later admitted that life outside the limelight threatened his passion, which had always been informing the public on education matters.
3. Shaffie Weru and Neville Musya
On March 28, 2021, Radio Africa Group terminated the services of its breakfast team over alleged utterances that were deemed to promote gender-based misconduct.
Among those affected were disc jockey Joseph Munoru, Shaffie Weru, and Neville Musya.
After the firing, both Shaffie and Neville went quiet for a while. However, Shaffie later began hosting online shows, while Neville pursued other ventures.
Neville, a former Homeboyz Radio and Capital FM presenter, featured in a blockbuster series titled Four Play. The series explores Nairobi’s fast-paced lifestyle, urban relationship struggles, social toxicity, and the dark side of sponsorship culture.
In the show, Neville played the role of a young man navigating emotional entanglements in an urban setting.
4. Ann Kiguta
On November 21, 2020, Ann Kiguta resigned from K24, a Mediamax-owned station, citing fundamental disagreements.
Her resignation was influenced by both the direction the station was taking and issues with editorial processes. She emphasized that her decision aligned with the Code of Conduct under the Media Council of Kenya Act.
As a result, Ann stepped away from her show Punchline, which later went to Debarl Inea.
Despite expectations of a media comeback, Ann maintained a low profile, instead engaging in forums that empower society. She has been involved in United Nations initiatives and other activities aligned with her interests.
Her show at K24 had attracted controversy, particularly regarding how guests were selected and how the program was packaged, which contributed to her decision to exit.
Other Journalists
Several other top journalists have also left mainstream media. Hussein Mohammed, for instance, resigned from Citizen TV in 2019 after 10 years and later joined a project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Janet Mbugua, another former Citizen TV anchor, left to focus on her Inua Dada Foundation. The foundation advocates for the rights of the girl child, with a focus on primary school girls. It addresses challenges such as access to healthcare, proper sanitation facilities, and the lack of sanitary towels.
Other notable journalists who left mainstream media include Asha Mwilu, Julie Gichuru, Kirigo Ng’arua, and Joy Doreen Biira.
By Kenyans