A Sunday night political interview on Citizen TV spiralled into one of the more memorable on-air confrontations Kenya has seen in recent times, pitting veteran journalist Jeff Koinange against Democratic Change Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala.
The two went head-to-head on Sunday Live on November 1, with the discussion initially centred on generational change in Kenyan politics and Malala’s backing of Edwin Sifuna and his run for the Kakamega governorship, nine months before the General Election.
Things took a sharp turn when Malala began defending his record of switching political parties, framing the moves as personal growth rather than opportunism.
What did Jeff Koinange say about Malala interview?
The exchange grew increasingly personal from there.
Malala turned on Jeff, accusing him of resisting change and likening him to COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, calling him the “Atwoli of the media.”
Jeff was not about to let that slide. He fired back by labelling Malala a serial party hopper and “Little Ruto,” and went further by suggesting that Senator Methu had overtaken Malala in terms of influence within the DCP, a remark that clearly stung.
The following day, on November 2, Koinange took to social media to share photos from the interview. His caption was matter-of-fact:
“About Last Night on #SundayLive Citizen TV Kenya with DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, on his place in the party, backing Edwin Sifuna and his run for Kakamega Governor, nine months to the General Election. If you missed it, catch up on YouTube and spread the word.”
He did not refer to the clash that had set social media alight overnight.
The post drew plenty of attention from followers who had watched the fireworks unfold live. Here is what some had to say:
@Fenix Nandokha:
“I knew bro has been cornered.”
@Eric Nzeki:
“Kumbe you can speak fluent Swahili under pressure.”
@Allan Mbaku:
“You called him Cleophas Maziwa Mala; he called you Jeff from Koinange Street.”
@Michael Otieno Okoth:
“Did I just hear him call you some type of Atwoli? That was quite unexpected and personal.”
@Ambasador Joe Polong:
“You met your match, and the game was a draw.”
