Several prominent journalists, who once graced our screens, have recently transitioned to government roles after leaving the newsroom.
From the renowned former Citizen TV political affairs editor Francis Gachuri to his former colleague Hassan Mugambi, these seasoned media professionals were once influential voices in the industry.
Nairobileo.co.ke highlights seven of these media personalities as detailed below:
Francis Gachuri
The former Citizen TV political affairs editor announced his exit from the Royal Media Services (RMS) in March 2023 after serving the SK Macharia-owned media company for 16 years.
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Gachuri joined the Ministry of Interior and Local Administration as the Spokesperson and Head of Communication.
"On September 1, 2007, I joined RMS as a political reporter. 5,660 days later, I announce my exit to take up another national assignment. I am grateful and humbled by the many experiences, lessons, and opportunities I have had in the industry," Gachuri stated.
During his time at RMS, he was a senior political reporter, editor, News Gang panelist, and news presenter at Inooro TV. He also hosted the Kiririmbi show on Inooro TV.
Chemutai Goin
The once-vibrant Citizen TV reporter announced her exit from the Royal Media Services station in February 2024.
Goin left the station to take up a role at the office of the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
In a video seen by Nairobile.co.ke, she said that her departure was bittersweet, adding that it was at Citizen TV that she grew her ‘wings.’
“Leaving for me is bittersweet because this is where I had my wings and I went to the eagles and I think that is where I will stay and even as we go to other ventures, we will still find each other," she stated.
Goin joined Citizen TV on November 21, 2018.
Mwanaisha Chidzuga
The deputy government spokesperson was previously a presenter at Cape Media-owned TV47.
She joined the company in March 2023 as a presenter for Radio 47 before she later transitioned to anchor news at TV47.
On October 4, 2023, President William Ruto appointed Chidzuga as the deputy government spokesperson.
She is deputizing Isaac Maura, the government spokesperson.
Hassan Mugambi
The former Citizen TV crime and investigative journalist quietly left the screens in March 2024.
Mugambi left the Royal Media Services station to take up a senior communications role at the Ministry of Defence.
He joined RMS in 2016 after previously serving as a news anchor at K24.
Mugambi rose through the ranks to anchor Swahili news at Citizen TV before his departure.
Kennedy Murithi
The former NTV senior political affairs journalist announced his exit from the Nation Media Group station on December 31, 2022.
Murithi left to serve as a political advisor for the Tharaka Nithi county government after his appointment by Governor Muthomi Njuki.
In his departure message, he thanked everyone at NMG for their support during his time at the Kimathi Street-based media house.
“It has been a wonderful 10 years at Nation. I have grown into the fine journalist I am today. I leave the Twin Towers regrettably. To my colleagues, thank you for being such a great support team,” Muriithi remarked.
He joined NMG in 2012 and started out as a reporter for QTV before switching to NTV in 2016.
Mike Gitonga
The former KTN News anchor was appointed as the new secretary of state functions by President William Ruto in 2023.
In a statement via X on January 7, Gitonga thanked President Ruto for the appointment.
"With a new year comes new beginnings, I am first of all grateful to God. I also take this opportunity to thank the President of Kenya William Ruto for the opportunity to serve this nation as Secretary of State Functions," he stated.
Gitonga also previously served as the Communication Director in the Office of the First Lady. He also worked at Family Media before joining the Standard Media Group.
Sam Ogina
The former Citizen TV senior political reporter quietly left the RMS-owned station towards the end of 2022 to join the Parliamentary Service Commission in a role attached to the office of the majority leader at the National Assembly.
Ogina worked at Kenya Television Network (KTN) for more than five years before joining Royal Media Services in 2018.
At KTN News, he hosted a political show on which he reviewed the major leadership and development events of the week.
Ogina officially said goodbye to his colleagues at RMS during a joint farewell party with Gachuri, who also left the station in March 2023.
