Yvonne Okwara signed off from Citizen TV for the last time on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, wrapping up eight and a half years at the Royal Media Services station with an emotional on-air farewell that caught many of her loyal viewers off guard.
The seasoned anchor used her final broadcast to thank her bosses at Royal Media, her colleagues, and the viewers who had followed her career over two decades in Kenyan journalism.
A day later, on October 28, she confirmed via her X account that she had accepted the role of Head of Investments and Partnerships at Shuga Global, a UK-based youth-focused organisation previously known as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.
Okwara’s Journey at Royal Media and News Gang
Okwara first joined Royal Media in May 2018, having built an earlier career at KTN News.
During her time at Citizen TV, she became one of Kenya’s most recognisable primetime faces, anchoring The Explainer and serving as a key member of the News Gang panel.
The show launched in 2018 with Linus Kaikai, Joe Ageyo, Jamila Mohamed, Francis Gachuri and Okwara as its original panellists.
Over the years, the lineup shifted as Ageyo and Gachuri departed for other opportunities, and now Okwara becomes the latest familiar face to move on.
Who Will Fill Okwara’s Shoes in News Gang?
With her departure confirmed, attention has quickly turned to who will step into her seat on News Gang.
Viewers took to social media to put forward names, with suggestions ranging from fellow Citizen TV journalists to possible recruits from rival stations. No official announcement has been made by the station on her replacement.
Juma Pinky wrote:
“Unless they will try Safin Achieng or they will poach Eric native from NTV.”
Oscar Khayati weighed in:
“I propose Abdi Kadir and Sammy Gituku.”
Faith Nkirote had a different pick, saying
“Lilian Muli is best placed.”
Stephen Kiplangat acknowledged the scale of the task facing whoever takes over:
“Okwara leaves a huge gap; her participation and contribution at Citizen & News Gang have been huge!”
Mose PM offered two names
“Herman G. Kamariki Hatubanduki na Shoga La KTN. Mbele kuzuri HGK Movement. Ama Melody Sinzore.”
Citizen TV is yet to confirm who will fill Okwara’s position, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting word from the station.
