His mode of delivery, ease with which he engages his guests and grasp of the topics at hand makes Hussein Mohammed a cut above his contemporaries. Many have rightfully argued that he is one of the best-if not the best-journalist when it comes to interviewing some of the most controversial and stubborn guests on TV. The A list news anchor knows when to push, or take a tactical retreat and make those who grace his show to open up.
Hussein cornered Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria in 2016 after the latter tried in vain to evade answering a question on his utterances that seemed to incite his constituents against members of the Luo community. The news anchor played a clip showing the legislator making the remarks prompting Kuria to walk out of the building mid interview. Kuria had tried to dictate the narrative of the interview but Hussein proved why he is the best in the industry.
In another instance, the journalist came under sharp criticism from social media users in the run up to the 2017 general elections for failing to ask Raila Odinga relevant questions in an interview conducted at the former Prime Minister’s Karen home. One cheeky social media user claimed the senior news anchor had been reduced to a Larry Madowo.
Clash of egos with Jeff Koinange
It was reported on the blogosphere that a major fallout was in the offing when Jeff Koinange joined Royal Media Service (RMS) from KTN. The news anchor and host of JKL had had a tiff with the management of KTN and what a better station to embrace him than Citizen TV. Blogs reported that Jeff Koinange had been offered Kes2 million monthly salary to join RMS. The reports appearing first on Business Today seemed to suggest an imminent departure of Hussein over pay disparity between himself and the new kid on the block. The news anchor was reportedly miffed by the fact that he worked longer hours compared to Jeff who only worked for one day. “Hussein does a lot of work, including research for his shows……….he does most of the anchoring and interviews as well”, reported the blog. The same insider told the blog “if he gets a better place he will definitively leave”.
Kenya Today, a pro-opposition blog, put it more bluntly: “Exclusive: Top Citizen TV’s Hussein Mohammed, Janet Mbugua have Resigned, Protest Jeff Koinange 2 million salary, Crisis at RMS” Their screaming title read. The article claimed Hussein and Janet Mbugua had already tendered their resignation “and it’s unclear where the two top news anchors are heading”, part of the post read.
In a rejoinder, Jeff rubbished the reports saying “ni porojo tu” (they are only rumors).
A year and some months later, Hussein is still at RMS doing what he does best.
Mohammed Hussein Salary
Interestingly, Mohammed Hussein is not among the best paid journalists in Kenya-atleast according to a report appearing on Standard Digital Edition that ranks Jeff Koinange as the best paid journalist in Kenya. Hussein, whose salary was in the neighborhood of kes400,000 per month, is said to have received an increment following the hue and cry that followed the revelation of Jeff’s salary.
Hussein salary is said to have been upped by about kes200,000 to make it kes600,000 per month.
Prominent personalities interviewed by Hussein Mohammed
Deputy President William Ruto
Raila Odinga
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru
Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko Next
