“People loved the KTN bench up until probably the last interview with the man, Miguna Miguna. Right next to Miguna Miguna was Esther Passaris,” said Jeff.
He described the exchange as intense, noting that Miguna sharply criticised Passaris during the broadcast, creating a moment that would later prove consequential for his career at the station.
“He just went off on her, and KTN responded and said that was not good, they said it was bad, and I had to pack up my bags and move to Citizen TV,” he added.
The incident, Koinange said, marked the end of his time at KTN, where he had built a strong following through the JKL bench show, known for its candid and sometimes hard-hitting interviews.
Following the fallout, Koinange moved to Citizen TV, where he launched JKLive, a prime-time talk show that has since become one of the country’s longest-running live television programmes.
The show has maintained its popularity over the years, featuring interviews with political leaders, public figures, and other prominent personalities, and continuing the style of in-depth discussions that Koinange is known for.
Koinange’s revelation sheds light on a significant moment in his career, highlighting how a single high-profile interview can shape professional trajectories in the media industry.
While the exchange between Miguna and Passaris drew strong reactions at the time, it also underscored the challenges faced by broadcasters in balancing robust debate with editorial standards.
The journalist did not delve into further details about internal discussions at KTN following the incident but made it clear that the station’s response to the interview ultimately led to his exit.