Journalists who quit to join politics

The influence and prominence of the following list of former journalist have led them to pursue bigger careers in politics here in Kenya.

Piece by: Naomi Waweru
Politics

• Citizen Nipashe Kanze Dena quit to join State as the spokesperson.

• Hussein Mohammed quit Citizen to join Ruto in his campaigns as the Presidential Campaigns' Head of Communications.

Former Kiss FM show host now Langata MP
Jalango Former Kiss FM show host now Langata MP
Image: Instagram

Journalism has always been seen as a lucrative job and an envied platform for those who succeed and become big names in the industry.

The influence and prominence of the following list of former journalists has led them to pursue a career in politics here in Kenya.

Let's begin;

1. Dennis Onsarigo

The investigative journalist made headlines in 2022 after he was elected as the press secretary for Raila Odinga's ODM party.

This meant that he was to coordinate the media relations for the opposition party's secretariat.

He first quit TV in July 2018 after landing a Taita Taveta County job and since then he has been in government and is now the Chief of Staff in Nyamira County. 

The two posed for a photo after the former got a job as Chief of stuff in Nyamira county
Dennis Onsarigo and Raila Odinga. The two posed for a photo after the former got a job as Chief of stuff in Nyamira county
Image: Instagram

2. Philip Etale

From being one of Royal Media Services' best stuff, to working as the parliamentary reporter for Citizen TV, the journalist quit to become the ODM director of communication.

Former journalist and current ODM communications director
Philip Etale Former journalist and current ODM communications director
Image: Instagram

 3. Kanze Dena

The ex Citizen Nipashe news presenter made headlines in 2018 after she assumed the office of the State House spokesperson after being hired by former President, Uhuru Kenyatta.  

While at it she was also the Head of the President's Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU) in the same government.

former Citizen Nipashe journalist and statehouse spokesperson for Uhuru government
Kanze Dena former Citizen Nipashe journalist and statehouse spokesperson for Uhuru government
Image: Instagram

4. Dennis Itumbi

The controversial journalist left to join former president Uhuru Kenyatta in his 2013 and 2017 campaigns as a communication agent in the Presidential Strategic Communication Unit.

His influence on the online political scene also helped him get a job as the digital strategist in Uhuru's campaign before doing the same in President William Ruto's new government.

Former journalist and current digital strategist for president Ruto
Dennis Itumbi Former journalist and current digital strategist for president Ruto
Image: Instagram

5. Hussein Mohamed

He quit Royal Media Services to join president Ruto as the Presidential Campaign's Head of Communications.

At RMS he was the among the senior journalists and was known for his prowess in conducting excellent interviews.

It is during one of his interviews that he met Ruto who then the outgoing CS for Agriculture. It is then that they formed a rapport.

He is currently the State House spokesman for President Ruto.

speaks after being appointed State House Spokesperson
Hussein Mohamed speaks after being appointed State House Spokesperson
Image: TWITTER

6.  Sabina Chege

She is a former television actress and radio presenter at Kameme FM.

The eloquent politician quit and joined politics which led her to serve as the Woman Representative in the National Assembly for Murang'a County 2013–2022.

Former Kameme FM radio host and current woman rep Muranga county
Hon.Sabina Chege Former Kameme FM radio host and current woman rep Muranga county
Image: Instagram

7. Jalang'o

Former Kiss FM morning Kiss radio host Phelix Odiwuor Khodhe, quit radio to join politics in 2022.

He vied for the Lang'ata member of parliament seat in the 2022 general elections and emerged victorious.

Former Kiss FM radio host and current Langata MP
Hon.Jalango Former Kiss FM radio host and current Langata MP
Image: Instagram

8. Gathoni wa Muchomba

She is currently the Githunguri constituency member of parliament after successfully vying and landing the envied seat n the 2022 general elections.

The former Inooro FM radio presenter quit the job and joined politics where she successfully got in as the Kiambu woman representative in the 2017 general elections.

The top vernacular radio host quit radio to join politics and is currently the Mp for Githunguri constituency
Gathoni wa Muchomba The top vernacular radio host quit radio to join politics and is currently the Mp for Githunguri constituency
Image: Instagram

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