Media personality Willis Raburu recently shared an inspiring story about how Citizen TV news anchor Jeff Koinange played a pivotal role in shaping his media career.
The two first crossed paths at Mediamax, where Willis was an intern and Jeff was the charismatic host of Capital Talk on K24 TV.
At the time, Raburu was eagerly trying to get his voice on-air, but his then-boss wasn’t exactly supportive.
Despite his efforts, Raburu faced numerous roadblocks before finally being told that his voice wasn't suited for TV. “Your voice isn’t cut out for TV; I don’t think you’ll ever be on TV," the boss bluntly told him.
Fortunately, Jeff Koinange was nearby when Willis received this disheartening news. Jeff, overhearing the conversation, took the opportunity to encourage the young intern about his future.
“I heard what that man said, but don’t worry. One day, everyone will know your name. Don’t give up,” Jeff reassured him in the elevator.
For Raburu, those words were nothing short of divine intervention. “If Jeff is saying this… sometimes God speaks through people like Jeff,” Raburu thought. He never forgot that moment and often reminds Jeff of it.
Their paths crossed again at Royal Media Services, where Jeff continued to be a guiding force in Raburu’s career where he worked for 13 years with constant support and advice from Jeff.
Raburu eventually became one of Kenya’s most prominent journalists, excelling as a reporter, anchor, and host of the wildly popular 10 Over 10.
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