In recent years, the government has welcomed media professionals into various departments, aiming to leverage their expertise and professionalism in operations. However, some of these individuals have lost their high-profile positions due to factors such as reshuffles, budget constraints, political motivations, or misconduct.
This article looks at some of Kenyan media personnels who have been fired from top jobs in the President William Ruto’s government:
Salim Swaleh
Former NTV news anchor Salim Swaleh made headlines in June 2024 when he was was fired from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, where he served as the Director of Press Service.
Swaleh was implicated in a Kshs 5.8 million fraud scandal which led to his sacking. According to the DPP ,he and four other individuals fraudulently tried to persuade foreign nationals from Dubai and South Africa to pay a registration fee for a tender to construct two stadiums for the Afcon 2027 games. The company in question was identified as Nexor-Emea Engineering Consultancy Company.
Seeing how his tables turned, Swaleh on Monday, August 26, took to his social media pages to relay a tearful apology via video to his former boss Musalia Mudavadi, detailing how drastic his life had worsened since losing his job and asked for forgiveness seeking a second chance.
He has since been replaced by Jacob Ngetich from the Standard Media Group as the New Director of Press.
Martha Miano
Martha Miano was employed at the office of the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy Director of Communications until August 21, 2024.
Her dismissal letter was leaked online, and much to her disappointment, she learnt of her contract termination through social media.
In response, she penned a letter to the head of state and his deputy, appreciating them for the opportunity to serve under them in the top office.
“It’s unfortunate that my termination letter had to pass through social media to get to me. As at now, I have not seen or received the letter. But It’s okay. I think that’s how life is,”
“I walk head high without shame or regrets. My heart is full, and my conscience is clear. To my former boss under the Presidency President William Ruto, thank you very much.” she stated.
Samuel Maina
Samuel Maina is the former Acting Managing Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). He was axed from the position in December 2023.
This was after Maina was suspended for committing the government to pay Kshs 641 billion( $5 billion) in fees to the London Court of International Arbitration following the 2009 case between the Channel Group 2 Corporation and KBC without seeking concurrence.
Further , he was put on the spot after questions were raised in the Auditor General’s report on a Ksh7 billion loan borrowed by KBC to buy equipment in 1989.
Maina was ordered to proceed on suspension and await disciplinary action from the Board.
Former Information CS Eliud Owalo then appointed Paul Macharia as the acting KBC Managing Director. The role was taken over by Agnes Kalekye Nguna in May 2024, who was appointed as Managing Director and CEO for a three-year period.
Walter Mong’are
Walter Onchonga Mong’are popularly known as Nyambane was sacked in April 2024 from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Before he was fired, he was the Director of Programs (Advocacy and Outreach) under the ministry.
“This is to inform you that Walter Onchonga Mongáre, Director of Programs (Advocacy & Outreach) is no longer authorized to act in any capacity on behalf of the State Department or myself,” Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Korir Sing’Oei said while announcing the dismissal.
The former Reddykulas comedy on group member had served as the Director and Youth Advisor during the reign of President Uhuru Kenyatta for a period of five years between 2017 to 2022. He resigned to pursue his political ambitions, vieing for presidency in the general elections. His candidacy was however revoked after the IEBC was notified of his academic credentials which they termed as concerning.
Before joining government, he had worked as the Group Head of Radio Services at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and other senior positions in the media industry.
Kathleen Openda Mvati
Kathleen Openda Mvati is a former KTN journalist who has worked as a communications consultant for more than 20 years.
She was fired from her position as the chair of the Council of Kenya Institute of Mass Communication in September 2023, which she had held for five years since August 2018 when she was appointed by former President Kenyatta.
Openda was among the casualties from the taking over of President Ruto’s administration, and she was replaced by former Police Spokesperson Charles Owino, after his unsuccessful political stint in 2022.
Before joining government, she was the director-in-charge of communication and media at the ODM Secretariat which ran Opposition Leader Raila Odinga’s 2017 election campaigns.
