A live interview on Citizen TV turned sharply personal on Sunday, November 1, when Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala and veteran host Jeff Koinange traded barbs over careers, influence, and politics. Tuko
During the exchange, Malala compared Koinange to long-serving Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, accusing the broadcaster of becoming too comfortable and stagnant in his role at Citizen TV.
“Jeff, you’re the Atwoli of the media. You cannot grow more; you’re stagnant. Atwoli is comfortable wherever he is, as long as there is food. For you, you’re just here in Citizen, you’re comfortable,” Malala said. Sauce
He pressed the point further with a sarcastic remark about profiling and political relationships, referring to “Atwoli wa manyororo” and “Jeff wa kukaranga nywele” (a dig at Koinange’s hair).
Koinange pushed back immediately, arguing that politicians seek out his programme precisely because of his standing in the industry. “People like you are dying to come to a show like this because of me. If there was someone else, you wouldn’t come,” he responded.Sauce
The back-and-forth escalated. Koinange labelled Malala a “party hopper,” described him as “Little Ruto,” and claimed that Nyandarua Senator John Methu had overtaken him within DCP. “Methu has taken over your position. He has stolen the thunder from you,” the host said. Malala, in turn, accused Koinange of profiling guests based on political affiliations rather than substance. Ynews
The clash, which occurred during a discussion touching on generational change and Kenyan politics, quickly became one of the more talked-about television moments of the day, with clips circulating widely on social media. It highlighted both the combustible style of Kenyan political interviews and the personal edge that can surface when hosts and guests spar in real time.
Malala, a former Kakamega Senator and key figure in the DCP under Rigathi Gachagua, has been active in opposition coordination ahead of 2027. The exchange adds another layer of public friction between media personalities and politicians positioning themselves in the current realignments.