Duncan Khaemba is a veteran journalist, attached to Nation Media Group (NMG) and boasts over 15 years of experience in the media industry.
The multi-award-winning media practitioner was at the top of Kenyan social media trends from Sunday, October 2, 2022, after he interviewed seasoned lawyer and Gor Mahia Chairman, Ambrose Rachier – a senior official of the Free Masons order in Kenya.
Khaemba’s interview with Rachier gave insider details of the sect in Kenya, sparking a nationwide, better yet, regional discussion about Free Masonry. In this article, WoK takes a look at the journalist’s longstanding career in the media industry.
Background & Education
Khaemba, who hails from Kitale, holds a Diploma in Journalism and Public Relations from the Technical University of Kenya and a certificate in Broadcast Journalism from Radio Netherlands Training Centre.
He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Sociology and political science from the University of Nairobi (UoN).
Career
Khaemba boasts over 15 years of experience working in the media industry. He worked at Royal Media Services (RMS)-owned Citizen TV and Media Max’s K24, before joining Standard Media Group (SMG)’s KTN in 2016.
The veteran journalist left the Mombasa Road-based media house for NTV on July 26, 2022.
In the course of his vast career, he has covered top activities in Kenya and the region including the 2011 military operations in Somalia, and the subsequent 2012 general election in Somalia – the country’s first democratic poll since the ouster of President Said Barre in 1991.
Khaemba also covered the trial of President William Ruto at the International Criminal Court at The Hague, The Netherlands, which began in 2013.
He has also served as the Chairperson of the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association. He was elected to the position a year ago in an election where he garnered 60 votes out of the 67 ballots cast to take over the mantle from Moses Njagi, a former Standard Newspaper reporter.
“It is a great honour securing the seat and it humbles me that I was elected unopposed. It is a massive vote of confidence and I don’t take it for granted,” Khaemba said following the election, adding that he would ensure the association reached greater heights.
“I strive to work on total access to information, the duplicity of committee hearings, media freedom, networking, mentorship and capacity building as I seek to rejuvenate this critical association.”
The journalist’s exploits have not been without challenges. Khaemba was arrested in Kibera as he covered the aftermath of the 2017 General Elections after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared President Uhuru Kenyatta the winner of the polls.
He was accused of allegedly being in possession of unlicensed bulletproof gear as he covered protests in Kibera and taken to Kilimani Police Station for questioning.
The Standard Group however confirmed that the gear in question was duly licensed and Khaemba was released alongside a colleague after being held for hours at the police station.
Free Masons Interview
Khaemba interviewed Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier in a feature that aired on NTV on Sunday, October 2, 2022, shedding light on the mysteries of the Free Masons church in Kenya.
The interview which has been widely watched and trended on social media platforms for the better part of the last three days, answered the assumptions of many, while also adding more mystery to the presumptions of many others.
Awards
Khaemba won the 1st Kara-Cofek Annual Media Excellence Award in 2011, MCK AJEA winner Business Reporting Award in 2016, MCK AJEA winner Sports Reporting award in 2019 and MCK AJEA winner Development Reporting Award in 2022.
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