Veteran journalist Jeff Koinange made his official return to Citizen TV on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, ending weeks of viewer speculation about his prolonged absence from the screen.
The anchor had not appeared on Jeff Koinange Live (JKL) since early October 2025. During that period, the Wednesday night show continued airing under his name but was hosted by substitute presenters including Ayub Abdikadir and others.
The unexplained absence triggered online rumours, including false claims that Koinange had passed away.
Social media personality Xtian Dela dismissed the death rumours in November by sharing screenshots of recent WhatsApp chats with Koinange confirming he was alive and well. Radio host Maina Kageni also posted a short video of the two together in late October, with Koinange saying he would return soon.
Surprise Studio Comeback
The comeback was revealed live during the 9 p.m. bulletin. News anchor Ayub Abdikadir teased the segment by saying, “Today we reconstitute the three letters that follow each other on the keyboard: J-K-L…” Koinange then walked onto set to loud applause from the studio crew.
The two anchors embraced as Koinange laughed and said in Swahili, “Walikuwa wameniuwa” (They had killed me).
He added, “I’m back, as if I never left.” Abdikadir tested the show’s signature fire extinguisher by spraying foam, confirming it still worked, before handing over the desk.
That night’s episode featured guests PLO Lumumba and Barrack Muluka. Koinange addressed the rumours directly: “News of my death has been exaggerated. For 2,000 years, no one has risen from the dead.”
He held up a T-shirt printed with the name “Lazarus” and thanked viewers for their messages of support during his absence.
Colleagues and Viewers React
Citizen TV news anchor Mashirima Kapombe posted photos hugging Koinange with the caption: “Welcome back, Jeff! We had really missed you.”
Other staff and viewers expressed similar relief:
Lulu Hassan: “The king is back! Welcome home Jeff Koinange.”
Waihiga Mwaura: “JKL is complete again.”
Viewer @ItsMutai
: “Finally! I stopped watching Citizen at 9 p.m. when Jeff wasn’t there. Welcome back.”
Viewer @NyamburaKE
: “The only show where the letters follow each other on the keyboard is back with its owner. Karibu sana.”
Several viewers noted they had reduced or stopped watching the station during Koinange’s hiatus.
Citizen TV has not issued an official statement explaining the absence, but sources within Royal Media Services confirmed it was a planned sabbatical.
Koinange resumed hosting Jeff Koinange Live immediately, with the next episode scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
by Geoffrey mbuthia
