Royal Media Services’ Citizen TV has decided to indefinitely suspend its prime-time Swahili news anchor Swaleh Mdoe after he allegedly missed one of his scheduled bulletins in late January. It is unclear how long he will be off air but neither party has released a public statement on the reports.
Many Kenyans took to social media to air their views on the reports of Swaleh’s suspension. The lack of public statements from both Swaleh and his employers has added to the confusion as thousands of his fans wait anxiously.
Many are still wondering what this move will mean for Swaleh Mdoe and his career having been the face of Royal Media Services’ Swahili news for many years. His ‘Tafakari Ya Babu’ episodes have risen to become a favorite for many of his followers, and have been key in helping transform how kenyans consume news and related content.
His charismatic presence on news sets has made him one of the most distinctive faces of television in Kenya and the region.
His mode of delivery has helped Citizen TV craft a loyal following for all of its Swahili News editions – at 1 pm and 7 pm.
He has indeed risen to become a household name among many TV loyalists. His recognizable style of delivery stands out and makes him one of the best in the country.
Royal Media’s decision to pull Swaleh Mdoe off its bulletins has raised several eyebrows from the media industry and Citizen TV’s followers online.
Here are some of the reactions from Kenyans on X (Formerly Twitter) – quoted verbatim.
An Account holder by the name OwmwambaKe said, “On behalf of all Kenyans, We demand Citizen TV to reinstate Swaleh Mdoe back immediately before the End of Tomorrow or else Swaleh Mdoe might end up selling his kidney this time. In short, We need Swaleh Mdoe Back or else.”
JumaF posted, “Citizen TV has suspended Swaleh Mdoe after he missed the Tuesday 1pm news bulletin without giving any specific reason. He refused picking his calls and the management had to run helter-skelter to get one to step in. People want jobs and those with jobs don’t want them.”
Shola said, “Citizen TV Suspending Swaleh mdoe for failing to report at work isn’t making sense. Me thinks 1-Rms is having problems paying it’s employees . Or 2-Swaleh mdoe is having health issues . There is a problem at Royal media services and I think the truth will come out soon”
Magwaz3 posted, “Swaleh Mdoe is the first presenter I saw on Citizen TV when I was a kid, this guy is a veteran and whatever Royal Media Service management is doing to him is unwarranted.”
Mohamed Dida said, “Just like death, suspensions & dismissals mostly come for the best. Swaleh Mdoe was the visible face of Kiswahili in Citizen, a true “mhenga” who spoke Swahili like the founding father of the language. When you see him on the screen you see Kiswahili in a human form. In his suspension, Citizen has blow away its Swahili face.”
Kylian Posted, “Swaleh Mdoe getting suspended is part of work ethics,hapa hakuna case,kama uko employed communicate accordingly, otherwise you’re not the prize, you’ll be replaced asap.”
Collins wrote, “After six years at KTN, Swaleh Mdoe moved to Royal Media Services’ Citizen TV in March 2007 where he has been for close to 17 years. Great future awaits you sir.”
Youngest KOT wrote, “I always tell you guys this. Your employer is not your friend! Swaleh Mdoe is a good example.”
Multiple reports indicated that Mdoe missed a 1:00 p.m. bulletin on Tuesday, January 23, citing a medical emergency that his supervisors were allegedly unaware of. Upon return from the said emergency, he was summoned by supervisors who then later decided to indefinitely suspend him.
The recurrent alleged reason for his suspension is that the journalist failed to notify his supervisor on the day in question, leading to the editorial director’s decision to suspend him.
Swaleh Mdoe Career
His career in the media house extends beyond his role as a news anchor. He has vast experience in both print and broadcast media both within the country and outside. Before joining Citizen TV, he worked for various reputable news outlets, establishing himself and cementing his position as a household name.
Notably, he has worked for various reputable outlets including Ports International (1997-2002), Los Angeles Times (USA), Uhuru, and The Express newspapers – both in Tanzania. Swaleh was a member of the East African Foreign Correspondents Association (1993-1999).
His exceptional reporting skills have been recognized both nationally and internationally. Mdoe’s ability to immerse himself in the stories he covers, shedding light on important issues, has earned him numerous awards and recognitions.
He is also serving as a member of the Kenya Editors Guild.
He has also previously worked at the Kenya Times, Standard Group, The Message, Weekly Mail, BBC, Nation TV, and KTN. Between 1999 and 2001, he served as a presenter at NTV before joining KTN where he was a news anchor and Swahili news supervisor between 2001 and 2006. He then moved to Citizen TV in 2007.
He has earned several awards and accolades notably among them being by Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) Journalists of the Year Awards as the News Anchor of the Year (Kiswahili) for the year 2003 and again in 2004.
Citizen TV remains the most-watched TV station in Kenya with an audience share of more than 63%
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