Social media was abuzz over the weekend after unsettling rumours circulated about the well-being of celebrated journalist Jeff Koinange.
The veteran broadcaster has been missing from his prime-time news slot and his popular talk show, Jeff Koinange Live (JKL), for several months, creating a vacuum that bred speculation and worry among viewers.
With no clear statement from Citizen TV or Koinange himself, the silence only intensified public concern.
Digital personality Xtian Dela was among those disturbed by the growing chatter. As the rumours escalated, some users on social platforms went as far as suggesting the worst, prompting Dela to reach out privately to the journalist.
On Sunday evening, November 23, he sent a series of WhatsApp messages, expressing genuine concern and asking Koinange to confirm that he was safe.
His tone reflected the anxiety many Kenyans felt, especially those who have followed Koinange’s long career in broadcasting.
Early Monday morning, at around 6:31 am, Koinange finally replied. His message was brief but reassuring. He stated that he was “alive and kicking,” putting an end to the grim speculation that had taken root online.
The response eased the tension for Dela, who had spent the night unsettled by the rumours.
To prevent further misinformation, Dela shared a screenshot of the exchange, explaining that he did so to calm the public and counter the false claims spreading across social media.
In his caption, he expressed relief and scolded individuals who were using such sensitive rumours to chase attention.
He reminded his followers that joking about matters of life and death can be deeply distressing, particularly to people who admire or care about the person at the centre of the rumours.
Koinange’s absence from television since August had sparked curiosity, but neither he nor his employer has issued any formal explanation about his break. This lack of clarity contributed to the rapid spread of speculation.
For a figure who has been a household name for years, his sudden disappearance was bound to cause conversations. However, Dela’s disclosure reassured fans that there was no tragedy behind the silence.
The incident also highlighted how quickly misinformation can gain traction and how easily fear can spread online. It served as a reminder that public figures, despite living in the spotlight, deserve truth and sensitivity.
