Former Citizen TV news anchor Hussein Mohammed was the toast of the station until he unexpectedly quit the leading broadcaster. The arrival of Jeff Koinange on the SK Macharia owned media house did not in any way dim his popularity. In his Big Question political show, Hussein asked the most uncomfortable questions and at no point was he overwhelmed by his guests. Combative Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria walked out of Hussein’s show in a huff when the host did not allow him to dodge his questions.
Guests
The popular TV journalist has interviewed the deputy president William Ruto, former prime minister Raila Odinga and the list goes on and on.
Why he left Citizen TV
In a speculative article appearing on BusinessToday, the veteran newscaster is said to have left the station following a simmering tension between the new kids on the block-comprising of Editorial Director Joe Ageyo (from KTN), Strategy Director Linus Kaikai (from NTV), Yvonne Okwara (news anchor, from KTN) among others-and the old guards. The blog claims that the new arrivals looked down upon their colleagues as they perceived themselves as the dream team. This was made worse by the fact that they were paid more than their colleagues and it did not come as a surprise when Hussein called it quits.
Next Station
What is for sure, Hussein will not join a local station given the uncertainty in the Kenyan media industry. In less than a month, over 100 journalists have been rendered jobless. With his pedigree, the journalist is headed to an international media house ala Larry Madowo. Word is that the journalist is set to join al jeezera.
Expected Salary
If the journalist joins Al Jazeera Media Network-as widely speculated-his will be between $51,338 (about kes5,100,000) to $86,405 (kes8,600,000) per year. This estimate is provided by paysa.com.
Wishing him the best.