- Veteran Citizen TV anchor Yvonne Okwara signed off from the station on Tuesday, October 27, in an emotional farewell at the Nairobi studios
- Newsroom boss Linus Kaikai delivered a heartfelt tribute to Okwara, calling her departure the toughest he had faced in his leadership career
- Colleagues gathered around the news desk with a cake as Kaikai praised Okwara for her passion, commitment and role in Kenya's landmark 2022 presidential debates
One of Kenya's most recognisable television faces said her final goodbye at Citizen TV on Tuesday, October 27, in a farewell that left colleagues visibly emotional and sparked widespread conversation online.
Source: Instagram
Yvonne Okwara wrapped up her last bulletin at the Nairobi studios, with colleagues gathering around the news desk, cake in hand, to send her off. The moment was captured on video and shared on Citizen TV's Instagram page, quickly going viral among Kenyan media audiences.
Royal Media Services editorial director Linus Kaikai delivered the tribute, and his words set the tone for just how significant the loss felt within the newsroom. Having overseen multiple departures over the years, he was candid about where Okwara's exit ranked.
"The next departure is always tougher than the last one. But I will tell you, this is the toughest I've had to deal with in my leadership of the newsroom," Kaikai said, adding that hearing her announce she was leaving journalism altogether made it hit even harder.
He singled out three qualities she consistently brought to her work: passion, professionalism, and an instinct for asking the right questions. He also made a point of highlighting her contribution to the 2022 presidential debates, describing her performance as "fantastic" despite the debates not being fully attended.
"It's not a Citizen TV loss, RMS loss. This is an industry dent," Kaikai said, before wishing her well in whatever comes next.
A chemistry that defined the show
Colleagues who spoke during the farewell echoed Kaikai's sentiments, with one noting that the show Okwara anchored was built on the unique chemistry she brought to the desk. Her departure, they said, left a gap that would be difficult to fill.
"I want to thank you for three things that you've brought throughout the career that we've worked together. You brought passion. My colleagues in the gang will miss you horribly. The show is completely going to be different without you, because the show was designed by our chemistry, and by you leaving, you leave a huge, huge gap.
Okwara herself described the final bulletin as "tough," and thanked Kaikai for being a demanding but respected boss.
The anchor had become a fixture in Kenyan broadcast journalism, known for her sharp interviewing style and composed on-screen presence. Her decision to step away from journalism entirely, rather than move to a competing station, made the farewell feel more final than most.
Watch the emotional send-off at Citizen TV's studios:
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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