Veteran journalist Jeff Koinange has opened up about the dramatic turning point that led to his exit from KTN nearly eight years ago. Speaking on his podcast, I AM: Jeff Koinange, the award-winning news anchor revealed that a highly controversial live broadcast featuring outspoken lawyer Miguna Miguna ultimately cost him his position at the station.
The incident took place on Koinange’s popular JKL bench show, where Miguna was paired against Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris. The debate quickly deteriorated on live television as Miguna launched a relentless verbal assault on Passaris.
“People loved the KTN bench up until probably the last interview with the man, Miguna Miguna. Right next to Miguna Miguna was Esther Passaris,” Jeff recalled. “He just went off on her, and KTN responded and said that was not good… I had to pack up my bags and move to Citizen TV.”
The management fallout prompted Jeff’s transition to Citizen TV, where he successfully rebranded the show as JKLive. Today, it stands as one of Kenya’s longest-running and most influential prime-time talk shows.
Reflecting on his expansive career, Jeff also shared a lesser-known chapter about his brief stint with an international broadcaster. A Nigerian friend had recruited him to help launch Arise News in London. However, after going three months without pay, the veteran anchor packed his bags and returned to Kenya.
Throughout it all, Jeff credits his access to global icons—including late South African President Nelson Mandela, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, and Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo—to building unwavering professional trust.