Tony Gachoka’s debut as a talk show host on KTN on Wednesday night left some viewers disappointed, an indication that he might need to rethink his strategy if he is to win the battle with friend-now-turned-professional rival, Jeff Koinange.
KTN had marketed the new show, Point Blank, as a “brand new, innovative, thought provoking, intellectual tilted Kenyan news magazine and television program.”
Many anticipated a show that would finally win over those who have shunned watching television because programmes, including news bulletins, have become so predictable that they no longer excite.
It appears not many viewers can sit in front of their TVs listening to purely intellectual discussions on issues such as majimbo (the system of government that Kenya briefly operated under after independence in 1963) and whether or not William Ruto stands a chance of ascending to the presidency.
On his debut on Wednesday night, Tony Gachoka’s choice of guest was Prof Peter Kagwanja, who, though intellectually endowed, has never gained a following among many ordinary Kenyans. The topic of discussion was nationalism, politics and governance.
Tony: What do you see and what do you remember about the Majimbo debate in the 60’s ?
Kagwanja: Majimbo debate will always be a sad debate. From the onset it was contentious. It signified the triumph of the empire to shape the future thinking of the Ex colony#KTNPointblank pic.twitter.com/ijpTj8gLCn
— ktn (@KTNKenya) February 13, 2019
Jeff Koinange, like him or hate him, appears to have read the mood of his viewers perfectly well. Facing with a new threat from KTN, he once again fished out Moses Kuria to appear the JKL show to discuss the politics of development in Mt Kenya region and his presidential ambitions.
It was the second time in as many weeks Kuria was appearing on the show to discuss the same issues but it seems Jeff knew many listeners would be drawn to him and he staged the episode, which he dubbed Moses and the Burning Bush, with such drama that he brought not one but three fire extinguishers.
“Inside Kuria’s delicate ‘development’ insurgency… Tonight exclusively on #JKLive w/ @KoinangeJeff” is how Citizen TV marketed the show.
Folks!!!…You know it’s Smmmokin when @HonMoses_Kuria is on the bench!!…We had to get not one, not two but three fire extinguishers!!…Start tweeting!!…Hashtag #JKLive!!!
Somebody say Oh MY!!!@xtiandela @stivogichbwoy @citizentvkenya pic.twitter.com/2z6QiGMyqv
— Jeff Koinange, MBS (@KoinangeJeff) February 13, 2019
It does not take a genius to know which show between JKLive and Point Blank with T.G, one would have been attracted to.
Even for those who switched to KTN to see what Tony Gachoka had to offer, they quickly reached for their remote controls. Some even thought the good old KBC might have something better to offer.
“OK I thought TONNY Gachoka would be the show stopper. Now I think I settle for gang news…ama wanaitwa nani? Does KBC have anything?” lawyer and journalist Wahome Thuku posed.
It was a ridiculous discussion in a newly started program @KTNNewsKE by @TonyGachoka and his panelists prof P. kawanja. The story was so boring, I started thinking of @KoinangeJeff. #Pointblank must be thought @MikeSonko @EtalePhilip @UKenyatta @WilliamsRuto @citizentvkenya
— Elizaphan Samuel (@ElizaphanSamuel) February 14, 2019
However, it seems not all Kenyans are averse to intellectual discussions around issues affecting the country. Indeed, some say they enjoyed the show and see a great future in it.
I watched #PointBlank and I think @TonyGachoka will beat Jeff Koinange in his own game.
Discussion is deep and intellectual oriented. Just what I love!— David Kosen (@DavidKosen) February 14, 2019
@TonyGachoka is my favourite he speaks what many Kenyans can’t speak.. And on that note he will be here to stay. We will send him content and make sure show is great. Kenyans and bringing others down.
— Jackies (@jacquesadika) February 14, 2019
It would appear then KTN and Tony Gachoka might as well establish a niche in the competitive TV talk show scene. Only time will tell.
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