The bench is finally warm again. After a disquieting two-month hiatus that birthed macabre rumors and anxious speculation, veteran anchor Jeff Koinange stormed back onto Citizen TV screens Wednesday night, proving he is very much alive.

His return ends weeks of fevered conjecture across the country. From whispers of a quiet exit to baseless claims of his demise, Koinange’s absence highlighted the fragility of truth in Kenya’s digital ecosystem and the deep, almost familial connection viewers hold with their nightly news anchors.

Silence and Speculation

The celebrated journalist had been conspicuously missing from the Royal Media Services station since October. While his flagship show, Jeff Koinange Live (JKL), continued to air, the rotating cast of sit-in presenters left loyal audiences confused. The void quickly filled with misinformation.

Social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, became hotbeds for unverified reports alleging the anchor had died. The situation grew so dire that Koinange was forced to address the claims privately. In leaked WhatsApp messages that surfaced prior to his TV return, the anchor dispelled the fears, confirming he was well despite the digital noise.

• October 2025: Koinange last seen on air before hiatus.
• November 2025: Guest anchors host JKL; speculation mounts.
• Early December: Death hoaxes circulate on social media.
• December 10: Official on-air return.

Back on the Bench

The speculation was put to rest on Wednesday, December 10. During the prime-time bulletin, Citizen TV aired footage of a jovial Koinange entering the studio, greeted warmly by colleague Ayub Abdikadir.

Addressing the rumors with his trademark resilience, Koinange acknowledged the grim nature of the gossip, noting, “Walikua wameniua” (They had killed me). For the millions of Kenyans who tune in not just for news, but for the personality delivering it, the return signals a restoration of normalcy to the Wednesday night lineup.

As the veteran broadcaster resumes his duties, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the speed at which disinformation travels in Kenya—and the enduring power of showing up to set the record straight.