Cleophas Malala and Jeff Koinange Clash on Live TV as Interview Turns Personal

Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala appeared on a live television interview that quickly turned dramatic and personal, as he and veteran broadcaster Jeff Koinange engaged in a tense, heated back-and-forth that spilled over into personal jabs.

The high-pressure political interview took an unexpected turn when Malala took aim at Koinange’s career, comparing him to trade unionist Francis Atwoli. “Jeff you are the Atwoli of the media. Atwoli is comfortable wherever he is as long as there is food. You are just stuck here in Citizen and you think you’re okay?” Malala said.

Koinange fired back: “And people like you are dying to come on a show like this because of me. If there was someone else in my seat, you wouldn’t even come.”

The exchange escalated as Malala accused the host of profiling his guests, while Koinange labeled the former senator a “party hopper.” “You are not happy,” the two traded repeatedly, talking over each other in a rapid exchange that left the studio tense.

Koinange then took a personal swipe: “Methu has taken over your position. He has stolen the thunder from you.” Malala responded by drawing parallels to career growth in journalism, pointing to colleagues who had advanced in their careers. “It’s the same thing as a young journalist growing while you are sitting here on the bench. Same bench,” Malala said. 

“I’m not like you. I’m not static. Even in the media space, we have my auntie Senje Yvonne Okwara. We’ve seen her grow and move on. We’ve seen Lulu Hassan, a very young mind who is dreaming to become a member of parliament. We’ve seen Letoo growing, Trevor Ambinja is also growing.“

At one point, Koinange asked whether Malala, given his record of shifting political allegiances, would “hop from DCP to Linda Mwanainchi.” Malala deflected, insisting he was not static. The interview has since sparked discussion online, with viewers weighing in on the fiery exchange between the two figures.