Kenyans send emotional messages to sacked NTV journalist

News that Nation Media Group has cut ties with lawyer and news anchor Ken Mijungu has not been well received with many viewers taking to social media to air their opinions.

The 34-year-old broke the news via his social media accounts and without divulging much, he had been placed on the way of NTV’s chopping board summed up in a two-paged letter.

“The axe fell NTV newsroom and I was on its way. Seven years in those corridors summed up in a two page letter of termination. We live to fight another day. Thanks to God, he remains the greatest, thank you NTV Kenya for the opportunity and thank you for always staying tuned,” he confirmed.

Mass firing at the twin towers was expected, perhaps it was a matter of who and when, but no one ever thought of the CNN African Journalist Awards Special Commendation winner.

The lay-off that saw several senior editors and managers began on June 2, as part of cost cutting as the Aga Khan-owned media house shifted gear to digital transformation.

“Further, this new reality (COVID-19) necessitates the reengineering of Nation Media Group to accelerate its digital transformation. This will include focusing on resourcing people in new areas critical for the Group. Regrettably, this will result in a reduction of our workforce,”,” the company’s CEO Stephen Gitagama said.

However, despite the circular sent to the staff and earlier warnings, many Kenyans believed there was more than meets the eyes Mijungu’s surprise dismissal that ended his relationship with his employer of seven years.

“There is very little if any hope in the Kenyan media industry, I have had to figure out what to do when I finally graduate other than sending a bunch of emails applying for jobs, which I surely know I will be dumped one day. Ken Mijungu it shall be well,” said Rogers SK.

Here are some of reactions and emotional messages fans sent to the law reporter and anchor who brought intriguing and powerful interviews to the living rooms.

“All good things must come to an end in order for something even better to begin. Congratulations on your new opportunity to find a new job,” tweeted Hassan Mutubwa.