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Citizen TV news anchor and talk-show host Jeff Koinange has opened up on how he was shown the door while working as a reporter for America's Cable Network News (CNN) in 2007.
Speaking recently at Hot 96 FM, where he hosts a breakfast show, Jeff recounted the very day he received a call from his boss, only to be told he had lost his job. He says that, he was at the climax of his media career at the time.
“My boss called me and asked me to pull off the highway and he said, ‘Listen man, there is too much crap, too many rumours and Nigerians think you stage-managed that story. I don’t think we can sustain you any longer, we will need to let you go’,” Jeff narrates.
Jeff had worked on a story about a rebel group in Niger Delta that had almost brought the security of the Western African country to it knees, but he says he would do the story in a similar manner he did if he was asked to redo it.
“It was an amazing story and if I were to do it again I wouldn’t change a thing,” Jeff says, defending the story, adding: “I had researched for the story for more than a year gotten in touch with the rebels down there and they gave us permission. We flew down there and we went deep into the swamp to interview MEND with no security.”
In his report, Koinange took footages of him with masked MEND (Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta) guerillas at an undisclosed camp where the group had detained a number of Filipino hostages.
The Nigerian government, however, accused Koinange of stage managing the story after it hit international headlines, a claim CNN had denied.
“But he (his boss in the highway phone call) said, don’t worry, we will pay you for the rest of your contract so you will be sorted but we just want to sever this relationship,” Jeff narrated.
Jeff expressed disappointment with CNN, saying they failed to investigate the allegations. He further denied rape allegations against him, saying the alleged victim and him had only communicated via e-mail.
“There were rumours that there was a woman in Europe who was in touch with me who wanted me to connect her with Oprah Winfrey to promote a book she had been working on. I told her Oprah is not that type of friend I just introduce anyone to, but she kept pushing and pushing,” he stated.
“She became a stalker threatening me through the mail. One day she wrote a story on her blog that I had attempted to rape her. The rumours got to my boss who ended up firing me,” he added.
Comments
Are you in midlife crisis Jeff. You sound like Rao
All around me, I see prominent men falling like dominos from accusations of sexual misconduct. They are losing their big positions at work, in politics and everywhere. This is bad but what I really can't comprehend is why no due process is given to some of these claims to ascertain veracity. It is a given that some vindictive / scorned women will go a long way to destroy a man and this has been proven time and again. This doesn't diminish the crimes committed against these women at all but justice should be seen to have been pursued. This is why, two days ago, Republican Roy Moore was leading Democratic candidate Doug Jones in the Alabama Senate race. People are getting sick with all these allegations, most of which took place decades ago. In all likelihood, Roy Moore will capture the seat in spite of the allegations against him.
Also, as long as you are an employee, you'll always be vulnerable to certain forces beyond your control that can wreak your career wherever you are, big reason some of us broke away from employment and it's vulnerability eons ago. Man was born free, yet he's everywhere in chains - dare to break firii and live happily ever after. Work hard to escape employment!
Poor Jeff, the guy is his worst enemy. Good education, lakini did not master the art of professionalism. He has now been reduced to working with someone who I heard call Jeff "kichwa maji". The last nail in the coffin was the interview with Miguna Miguna and Esther Passaris. That was low, even by Jeff's standard! His exaggerated voice drives me up the wall. Having said that, he is an alright kind of guy, just tries too hard.
Poor Jeff, the guy is his own worst enemy. Good education, lakini did not master the art of professionalism. He has now been reduced to working with someone who I heard call Jeff "kichwa maji". The last nail in the coffin was the interview with Miguna Miguna and Esther Passaris. That was low, even by Jeff's standard! His exaggerated voice drives me up the wall. Having said that, he is an alright kind of guy, just tries too hard.
Just another arrogant dude trying to clear the air. We get it you know Oprah Winfrey the question is does she even remember who you are.If you harass women beleive me it will eventually come out. Normally this kind of people have a pattern. If only what is happening in the USA could extend to Kenya where grown ass men ith so called careers are being brought down by students or women who work at Macdonalds.Yes all this MPIGS and their mipango ya kando would be jobless not to forget their fat wives who do nothing.The problem is that most Kenyan women are stupid and agree to be used and so the expolitation continues.
@Anonymous. I disagree that Jeff is arrogant. He is just an insecure humble man who covers this by being loud. If you see the things he gets involved in behind the scenes, one can't help is but like the guy. By his own admission, he is not the brightest stars in the universe, and in school he tried to cover this up by involving in sports. When he went to Mzungu land, he tried to get the best jobs given to his white counterparts in journalism. Seems he underestimated the Nigerians when it comes to setting him up. As for the rape charges... well... ..he needs to stop trying to explain away the allegations. It is the same minimization that got him fired from KTN in regards to Miguna and Passaris.. Think I am being too soft on the man. Watch this clip and judge:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSwyMNFYUgI
I followed the blog and even questioned the lady who told me they actually met in a Hotel in London. Jeff needs to tell the truth.
He/she who is innocent should cast the first stone.Its alright Jeff- its 10 years ago and grass has grown on those stories.
As for Jeff,Miguna,Passaris interview;there was nothing wrong with the interview except that kenyan audience are not open to free debate.Jeff moderated the debate like they do on Fox News.
Matigari ma....Sorry, there was everything wrong with the interview! Miguna was out of order with Passaris and Jeff should have stopped it on it's track. Instead, he gave the jamaa a platform and laughed along. Kenyan audience? ....that was low. In contrast, his much younger presenter Larry Midowa basically cut Miguna to size when he tried it with him. There is a line to be drawn with everything. I like Jeff, but he has not professionally matured with experience.
He was fired on sexual assaults on women.
I worked at CNN in DC at the time and we know the truth
He was fired on sexual assaults on women.
I worked at CNN in DC at the time and we know the truth
Jeff is his own worst enemy. No wonder he got a D at St Mary's.
He belong's to K st. OoooPs that belongs to his family
Jeff you have done well with your life but I think Kenyans hold you to higher standards and you continually disappoint them. You do you Jeff cos life is too short.The downside of the choice is the likes of youthful Madowo are coming up and they will be bigger,better and soon you will be replaced. BUT remember you inspired them to be who they are today and kudos to you.
Thanks Jeff for sharing this story. In western world, news anchors are endangered species. Their names are tarnished by these professionals prostitutes and finally they loose their jobs. Journalists like Tom Brokaw and Bill O'Reilly of fox suffered the same fate. Stay put brother Jeff and continue shinning.
One thing I have noted about this Jeff is that he is very poor in Geography, History and current affair, hence current affairs. If it were not for his good voice, he would be useless in the media
Jeff please Man up, accept your devious ways and move on. The more you defend yourself the more you self-incriminate.
The woman is not here to defend herself. Kubbaff, bure Kabisa