High ratings translate to increased, more lucrative advertising deals, which are the bread and butter for many media houses. Advertising is what keeps the lights on. A figure like Shaffie is able to command a huge listenership - raising his value to the company.

Homeboyz predicament shines the spotlight the darkest corner of radio in Kenya: use of untrained presenters to drive their shows. Radio airwaves are stuffed with so-called celebrities - from musicians, comedians to actors - who masquerade behind mics as journalists by trading in their fan base yet have no idea of journalistic principles and ethics governing the practice of journalism. Journalists in radio have been relegated to peripheral roles of gathering and editing news. Even the news presentation role is for the most part handled by these celebrities. That’s the weakest link in media brought about by stiff competition for listeners and entry of niche radio stations.

At the time of his dismissal, announced on Saturday, March 27, Weru was the Programmes Controller at Homeboyz Radio, and a stand-in host on the Homeboyz Radio morning show The Lift Off. 

At the time of his dismissal, announced on Saturday, March 27, Weru was the Programmes Controller at Homeboyz Radio, and a stand-in host on the Homeboyz Radio morning show The Lift Off. He was sent packing alongside co-hosts Neville and DJ Joe Mfalme after an on-air conversation in which they jokingly discussed an incident in which a woman was pushed off a 12th floor after turning down sexual advances from the man she was on a date with.

"As such, the use of derogatory language on both mainstream and social media that supports the acts of GBV and condemning the victims is unacceptable. It is possible to maintain decency and respect in a democratic space where freedom of speech is encouraged. We should ensure accountability and uphold professionalism and respect for human dignity," Kepsa noted.

Veteran radio presenter Shaffie Weru has joined Homeboyz Radio as programmes controller. Weru worked at Radio Africa for 14 years co-presenting the Big Breakfast show with Kalekye Mumo and lately Adelle Onyango before the latter quit last month to pursue personal interests. There were reports that...