Francis Gachuri's Little-Known KBC Stint In Farewell Message [VIDEO]

Citizen TV Political Editor Francis Gachuri revealed to his loyal viewers his little-known spell at state broadcaster Kenya Broadcasting Celebration (KBC) before joining the Royal Media Services (RMS) where he spent the last 17 years.

While delivering his farewell message on the Newsgang show on Thursday, March 2, Gachuri recalled starting out at KBC as an artist at the age of 24 where he spent his one and a half years before his big break at RMS.

He joined the Kilimani-based media house close to 100 days before the 2007 general elections and was immediately thrust into the thick of it when he was assigned to cover the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nominations.

"On February 1, 2006, my journalism life began at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) as an artist. That is equivalent to a trainee reporter at the national broadcaster. A 24-year-old, yearning to learn, unlearn and relearn, with a grand dream to excel in the world of journalism. My stint at KBC lasted exactly 560 days.

Francis Gachuri at State House. /FILE

"Then after a short break, I transitioned to the Royal Media Services on September 1, 2007. That was just 117 days to the General Election. For me, it was akin to baptism by fire. I was assigned to cover the fiercely contested ODM nominations in Nyanza region, alongside my brothers Charles Odhiambo, Steve Shitera and Peter Kihuyu," he recalled in part.

Gachuri and his team returned to the region for the 2007 general election, whose controversial results had triggered the post-election violence. He recounted the desperate calls the crew made to then Nyanza Provincial Police Officer Grace Kaindi.

"The narrow escape in the dead of night from Kisumu to Nakuru via Cavakali and eventually back to Nairobi on December 29, 2007. That experience was defining. It taught me that journalism is for the brave. That bravery is not just against the physical dangers, but social, mental, moral and psychological dangers.

"From September 1, 2007, it has been a great ride, with its fair share of ups and downs, tears, sweat and blood, great days and some not-so-good days, many star performances and a few poor shows that to me were more of experiences to learn, grow and improve," he went on.

The journalist looked back at his 5,661 days at RMS where he not only enjoyed working with his colleagues but also experienced the life of a journalist spanning all four climatic seasons in one day; winter, summer, spring and autumn.

"This is one job that is often unpredictable. You can bid your family farewell in the morning hoping to see them in the evening only to see your spouse and children several days later. But it is a great experience.

"This is also one profession that has as many definitions and perceptions as there are people. Today, those who celebrate and praise your journalistic work will tomorrow be hammer and tongs on you, accusing you of all manner of things, real and imagined," he added.

He celebrated the opportunity to inform the masses, tell their stories, ask those in power the questions and keenly study, understand and interpret the law-making procedures as highlights of his 17 years as well as the rare privilege and opportunity to work with the best brains, most dedicated colleagues, diligent souls, vastly talented professionals on TV, radio and the digital platforms at RMS.

"Some have proceeded to shine elsewhere; locally and internationally. Some are still around. I want to salute all. You are all part of me. When I joined Royal Media Services 5,661 days ago, I was a young man, who did not even have a family. While here, I got married, have children, the eldest now in high school. So, all my major milestones have happened while I was here. What more could I say?

"I want to thank the RMS principals; Dr and Mrs Macharia for their nurturing. The Managing Director Wachira Waruru, we call him coach here. Our paths crossed in 2006 at KBC. You epitomize excellence. To all the company directors; Fred, Latifah, Karanja, Mike, Carol, Rose. You are the best," he continued.

He celebrated his colleagues at the Newsgang show; Yvonne Okwara, Linus Kaikai and Jamila Mohamed as well as the viewers and listeners for supporting him while at the media house for tuning in and consuming the RMS content produced every minute across its platforms.

"Now, transition is here. The music stops at Royal Media Services for me. Allow me to step out and take up another national challenge. In the words of William Bridges, “it is when we are in transition that we are most completely alive.”

"As fate would have it, I step out during the Lenten season. The period of self-introspection. To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly as Henri Bergson aptly puts it. I won’t say goodbye, I prefer 'see you around'! Tuko hii town (We're in this town)," he concluded.

Gachuri was presented with a farewell cake by his colleagues at Citizen TV as well as two Manchester United jerseys from Ayub Abdikadir all printed with his name and number 17, representing the years he spent at RMS.

He also played the old nursery rhyme "By shot I love you baby" with Okwara before the gang signed off.

Watch the videos of Gachuri's farewell below:

Gachuri: It’s been a good experience, I came here at 24, I exit at 41

A look at Gachuri’s memory lane here at RMS

Wishing Francis Gachuri all the best on his next assignment!#NewsGang @Fchurii pic.twitter.com/cngxnrktg3 — Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) March 2, 2023

Gachuri’s sign off:

Gachuri and Yvonne play the old nursery rhyme ‘By shot I love you baby’#NewsGang @Fchurii @YvonneOkwara pic.twitter.com/4ImD6g3Yhz — Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) March 2, 2023