Citizen TV prime time news anchor and talkshow host Jeff Koinange has once again found himself in the bad books of the Media Council of Kenya after sexual overtones were red-flagged in an interview with COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli. [Watch video at the end of the article]
In a notice to the S.K. Macharia-owned media house’s Editorial Director Joe Ageyo, the Kenyan media industry watchdog has flagged the flamboyant talkshow host for what it says is unethical behaviour and a breach of the journalism code of ethics.
The interview in question was held on Wednesday, August 15 during the 9pm segment of JKL (Jeff Koinange Live).
MCK CEO David Omwoyo cites various instances of unprofessional conduct by the veteran news anchor, saying the regulator reserves the right to censure the former CNN journalist. “The Media Council would like to raise a complaint for unethical behaviour concerning one of your employees, Mr Jeff Koinange, during the Jeff Koinange Live (JKL) show on Citizen TV,”
The CEO faults Koinange’s discussion of Atwoli’s private and sexual life live on national television, which not only embarrassed the COTU chief but also irked most viewers watching with their children.
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During the interview, Mr Atwoli confirmed his marriage to KTN’s Swahili news presenter Mary Kilobi, prompting Mr Koinange to question Atwoli’s prowess in bed since Ms Kilobi is half his age, and this perceived to be sexually stronger than the 68 year old trade unionist.
At some point during the show, Mr Atwoli, who is not a trained journalist, cautioned Koinange against discussing explicit content on national TV. “The questions “bado Kazi unafanya, katiba bado unasoma” and “Kazi unaweza” are repeated through the first part of the interview,” reads the MCK statement.
“The host was persistent in discussing explicit adult related content on TV outside the watershed hour contravening clause 10 on obscenity, taste and tone in reporting of the code of conduct for the practice of journalism in Kenya.”
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Mr Koinange also breached clauses 13 of the Journalist’s code of conduct which prohibits probing into an individual’s private life, MCK said. The inappropriate questions also sparked Kenyans’ fury on social media who said that Koinange was asking inappropriate questions.
Thank You COTU S.G Francis Atwoli for coming on the BENCH!!..SMMMMOKIN as usual!!!…Somebody say Oh MY!!@xtiandela @stivogichbwoy @citizentvkenya #JKLive pic.twitter.com/bA7XjMkIwB
— Jeff Koinange, MBS (@KoinangeJeff) August 15, 2018
This is not the first time that Koinange is courting trouble for unethical behavior on live TV in a desperate attempt to make the show more popular.
In 2016, he left KTN after appearing to laugh off obscene comments made by former Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant, Miguna Miguna in reference to current Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris. In 2015, a Nairobi court also ordered for the arrest of Koinange and city businessman Tony Gachoka for contempt.
The two had ignored the court’s orders barring them from discussing businessman Jimi Wanjigi, Mr Sani Mbui Wanjigi and Kwacha Group of Companies Limited in then KTN’s JKL show.
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The plaintiffs had obtained orders barring Mr Koinange, KTN and the Standard Media Group from broadcasting or publishing alleged defamatory statements concerning them and the company.
The media fraternity will be watching what action MCK will take against Koinange and Citizen TV.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW
This habit is almost on all radio stations atimes you are prompted to switch off like R maisha its annoying
I was really disappointed by Jeff’s sexual interviews as I expected serious national discussion.I turned off the TV when I realized the respected former CNN anchor had nothing else to ask. I won’t listen to his interviews again.