This archive report was first published on 31 October 2019.
On October 31, 2019, President Uhuru and DP Ruto owned Media Max fired a large number of journalists and editors from various media outlets, including People Daily, K24, Kameme TV, and others.
Among those affected were experienced journalists, including Eric Njoka, a K24 anchor with over ten years of experience in the media industry.
Njoka took to Instagram to express his regret and disappointment at being laid off, stating that he had chosen a career in media, which he believed was not as glamorous as it seemed.
He lamented that the system allowed anyone to have a career in media, regardless of their qualifications, and that it was easy for anyone to appeal to the Kenyan audience.
His colleague, Mwanaisha Chidzuga, who was also laid off, revealed that she was a part-time news anchor and a full-time caterer, with three restaurants to run.
Chidzuga stated that she was going to focus on her catering business and that the TV job was just a side hustle.
Other journalists who were fired include Franklin Wambugu, Ali Mtenzi, Torome Tirike, Tony Timase, Senior Reporter Franklin Macharia, and Swahili Anchor Juma Bhalo.
Chidzuga joined K24 TV in November 2015, after being fired by KTN while preparing to present a show.
Another Swahili anchor, Ahmed Bhalo, penned a farewell message to his viewers, stating that everything comes to an end and that he respected the changes being done at the station.
