This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
Citizen TV's Jeff Koinange Slammed for Interview with South Sudan Warlord ¶
October 14, 2018, was a day Kenyans will not forget anytime soon. On that day, Citizen TV's Jeff Koinange hosted General Paul Malong, a South Sudan warlord accused of looting and murder, on his show Sunday Live. The interview sparked widespread outrage and criticism from Kenyans who felt that Koinange was more interested in sanitizing Malong's image than holding him accountable for his actions.
Malong, who has been accused of looting and plundering South Sudan, was given a platform to defend himself on Citizen TV. However, many Kenyans felt that the interview was poorly executed and that Koinange was more interested in presenting Malong as a victim rather than holding him accountable for his actions.
One of the most striking moments of the interview was when Malong was asked about the allegations against him, and he responded by mumbling incoherently in English. Koinange was quick to jump in and set the narrative, asking leading questions that seemed to vindicate Malong rather than hold him accountable.
Many Kenyans took to social media to express their outrage and disappointment at Koinange's handling of the interview. Some accused him of being paid by Malong to give him airtime, while others felt that the interview was a clear example of mediocrity in journalism.
As one Twitter user put it, 'This interview was probably stage-managed to vindicate the general.' Another user wrote, 'Shame on you @citizentvkenya. General Malong paid you to have airtime just to issue threats to those who said he is a looter?'
It's worth noting that the interview was not without its critics. Many felt that Koinange's handling of the interview was a clear example of how far journalism has fallen in Kenya. As one user put it, 'Jesus. What's Jeff Koinange doing? Is this what Kenyan TV has turned into? What nonsense is this?'
Despite the backlash, Koinange has remained unapologetic about his handling of the interview. In a tweet, he wrote, 'I think this is the most stupid i've ever watched in my entire life. Good job cleansing war lords, looters & murderers.'
It remains to be seen how this incident will affect Koinange's career and reputation as a journalist. One thing is certain, however - the incident has sparked a national conversation about the state of journalism in Kenya and the need for greater accountability and transparency in the media.
