On September 2022, the ascension of President William Ruto to the highest office in the country, heralded a new concentration of power under the hustler movement.
With the change of guard, the new office bearers in the National and County governments were poised to reward loyalists and trusted men and woman to drive their agenda.
Among bigger beneficiaries included the big names in the media industry, including:
Journalists Who Have Landed Gov’t Jobs in Ruto’s gov’t:
Here is a list of seven journalists who found their spaces at the high tables of the National Government as well as county governments.
Hussein Mohammed – Ex-Citizen TV
Former Citizen TV Anchor Hussein Mohammed’s walk along the corridors of power kicked off at the beginning of the campaigns when President William Ruto tapped him to lead his communications team as the Head of Communications.
His hard work shown through the campaign that in mid-October, his status got elevated to the position of State House Spokesperson.
He took over from Kanze Dena, who served under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
His appointment made him the second journalist who worked at Citizen TV to be appointed as State House Spokesperson after Kanze.
Kennedy Murithi – NTV
When he appears on TV during prime time news, viewers are often assured of granular dissection on all matters politics and have come to cherish that.
It turns out, however, that not only TV audience had its sights on the journalist but also Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki too.
Njuki appointed Murithi to take up the position of political advisor during the Governor’s second term in office
The journalist expressed his shock, in an interview with Kenyans.co.ke, noting that he only learnt of his appointment after the list was made public.
Karen Karimi Knaust – TV47
The celebrated TV47 journalist was ecstatic while breaking the news that she had been appointed as the director of communications at the Kilifi County Government.
At the time, the journalist, who had stints at K24 TV as well as People Daily newspaper, already sank into her new role by accompanying Kilifi governor Maitha Gideon Mung’aro to Germany for a health-related conference.
“Honoured to attend the Medical Health Conference in Düsseldorf, Germany. Our aim is to foster partnerships that will guarantee the quality of health services in Kilifi County by ensuring the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment that will provide affordable, equitable, and accessible diagnostic services to the people of Kilifi. Karen Karimi. Director, Communications. Kilifi County,” she celebrated.
Nicky Gitonga – Citizen TV
Nicky Gitonga, expressed his ecstacy after appointment as Kwale County Government’s Director of Communications and spokesperson.
At the time, he explained that he had been subjected to an intensive selection process.
“Yes, it’s true. The work of a director of communications is on a contractual basis for a five-year term. So, with a new county government comes new leadership. I saw the position and applied, through God’s grace I made it through,” he stated.
He landed the job after eight-year stint at the Kilimani-based TV station.
Dennis Onsarigo – Ex-KTN
After a spirited fight as Raila Odinga Presidential Campaign Secretariat press secretary, former newsman Dennis Onsarigo made a transition into his new role as Nyamira County Chief of Staff towards the end of October.
The former KTN journalist was appointed to the role by the county governor, Amos Nyaribo.
Among the roles of a county chief of staff include managing the governor’s office and coordinating the county staff.
Onsarigo was also Director of Communication of Taita Taveta County Government.
Salim Swaleh – NTV
After years of gracing the small screen as a Swahili News anchor at NTV, Salim Swaleh joined Nakuru County Government as Information and Communications Technology, ICT, e-Government and Public Communication chief officer.
His name was floated to the county’s assembly for vetting by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika.
His new role entails working under the County Executive Committee (CEC) within the County government to advance its agenda.
“My name was among 21 forwarded for vetting. Once the process is done and I’m approved, I will hand over my resignation,” he told Kenyans.co.ke confirming that he was ready to resign immediately he is approved for the position.
Swaleh also had a stint at Citizen TV.
Charles Odhiambo – Ramogi FM
At the beginning of October, Ramogi FM journalist Charles Odhiambo ditched his hustle of 17 years in the new room for a role at Homa Bay County.
At the time, Governor Gladys Wanga had appointed him as the county’s chief of staff.
The radio presenter already began his role in the south Nyanza county when he accompanied the governor to various engagements with the international community in recent days.
Odhiambo joined RMS in March 2005 and grew through the ranks over the years.
