Veteran journalist Jeff Koinange has attracted mixed reactions online after a video showed him brushing aside a young content creator who approached him for an interview at an event in Nairobi.
The video, captured by the host of Young Millionaire Talks, showed the content creator approaching Koinange, who appeared to be engaged in other conversations.
Jeff Shoved YouTuber Aside
Instead of responding, the veteran journalist waved him aside and asked him to return later instead of granting him an interview at that moment.
Although the interaction did not go as the young interviewer may have hoped, he chose to turn the experience into a motivational message for his online audience.
“A ‘No’ is just a ‘Yes’ in training,” he wrote, adding that a redirection was not necessarily a rejection.
He further suggested that being in the same room as influential personalities was part of his journey, promising that the next chapters of his story would be legendary.
His response appeared to frame the encounter as a learning experience rather than a setback, but the video quickly attracted attention and prompted varied reactions from viewers.
Kenyans Divided Over Jeff’s Response
The encounter sparked debate among Kenyans, with many urging the veteran journalist to apologise and give the upcoming interviewer a chance.
For those holding this view, established media personalities have a chance to support emerging talent by making time for younger creators who are trying to establish themselves in a competitive industry.
Others argued that the YouTuber should continue building his brand rather than expect established media personalities to accommodate him.
They defended the veteran journalist, arguing that his decades-long career was built through years of work and that upcoming interviewers must also demonstrate the ability to create their own opportunities.
From this perspective, an unsuccessful approach to a prominent personality should not discourage an aspiring journalist or content creator from pursuing other interview opportunities.
Video Went Viral
Whether the encounter will lead to a future interview remains unclear. For now, it has fuelled a wider conversation about mentorship, access and the responsibilities of established media figures towards the next generation.
While some Kenyans want Koinange to apologise and offer the young creator another opportunity, others believe the best response is for the aspiring interviewer to keep working until his platform can command attention on its own.
Meanwhile, the video racked up thousands of reactions almost immediately, with many pointing out what they saw as avoidable mistakes on the creator’s part.
