This archive report was first published on 31 October 2019.
Mediamax's decision to sack 160 journalists has sent shockwaves through the Kenyan media industry, with the company's sister stations not spared in the retrenchment.
Launched in June 2017, Emoo FM, a Kalenjin radio station under the Mediamax stable, was established to counter the popularity of Royalmedia's Chamgei FM and Kass FM, with Deputy President William Ruto's presence as a stakeholder seen as a key factor in its launch.
Among those given the boot include Eric Rono (news presenter), Eliud Kiprotich alias Eliud Eliud (news presenter), Abraham Kiplimo (business news) and Kiplagat Kwambai alias Ng'ombe Hamsini (presenter).
Benwaa Cheruiyot (sports reporter), Edwin Arap Tanui (presenter) and Julius Kibet (presenter) were also not spared in the sackings.
According to Business Today, Mediamax's Human Resource Department called for a meeting with the sacked employees on Thursday morning to spell out the terms of their termination, with counselors and financial experts invited to give talks to those affected as they prepare to face life outside.
