Veteran journalist Jeff Koinange has finally addressed the growing curiosity surrounding his absence from television, after weeks of speculation about his whereabouts and health.
The Citizen TV news anchor, known for his booming voice and trademark “Oh my!”, has been off air for several weeks, prompting concern and rumours online.
Some fans wondered whether he had left the station, while others speculated that he might be unwell.
However, a recent TikTok video posted by his close friend and radio host Maina Kageni has put those rumours to rest.
In the clip, Jeff appears in good spirits, walking and chatting with Maina, who assured fans that the journalist is doing well and will be back on television soon.
“Jeff is doing great and will be back on our screens very soon,” Maina captioned the post, ending weeks of online speculation.
The video sparked relief among fans, who flooded the comments section with messages of support.
@Eddi joked, “Hii kazi ya kushikanisha leave days mpaka za CNN awache.”
@Ajely wrote, “I thought he was replaced by Emmanuel Ndung’u.”
Jeff’s rare personal revelations
In mid-July 2025, Jeff appeared on Convo for a candid and surprisingly vulnerable interview, where he opened up about his personal life—something he rarely does.
Reflecting on his early years in New York, Jeff revealed that he was married for seven years to a flight attendant.
“I was married for seven years actually, seven good years, and it was great,” he recalled.
“She was a flight attendant, so she was away a lot, and I was in school, then started working at the networks.”
The relationship, however, eventually came to an end.
“You know how you fall out of love, things happen, and you move on. It was a tough break-up,” he admitted.
Despite the separation, Jeff said they’ve remained on good terms.
“We still keep in touch. She moved to Florida now, but thanks to the digital age, we’re always in contact.”
When asked if they had met recently, Jeff replied, “It’s been a while; a few years, yeah.”
The conversation later turned to his current relationship with his wife Shaila, with whom he shares a child. While maintaining his usual privacy, Jeff confirmed that he is still married.
“Yes, I am,” he stated, before adding, “But that’s the part I like to keep private because this part of me is so public. If there’s anything I can protect, it’s that.”
A media icon with a global footprint
Jeff Koinange remains one of Kenya’s most respected journalists, with a career spanning decades.
He gained international recognition as a CNN correspondent, reporting on major African events including political upheavals, humanitarian crises, and natural disasters.
Upon returning home, he became a household name through his primetime talk show Jeff Koinange Live (JKL) on Citizen TV, admired for his eloquence, sharp interviewing style, and unmistakable charisma.
BY Geoffrey mbuthia
