IN SHORT: Viral posts on social media claim that Kenyan journalist Jeff Koinange has died. They are false, with friends and colleagues recently confirming that he is alive.
A wave of TikTok videos, Facebook clips and reposts across social media platforms claim that veteran Kenyan broadcaster Jeff Koinange has died.
Some use sombre music, others show different funeral scenes, and several allege he is at the Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. A few are edited to look like tributes or burial announcements.
These posts have gone viral, collectively drawing over 10 million views and thousands of comments and reactions.
Background
Jeff Koinange is one of Kenya’s most recognisable journalists, known for hosting Jeff Koinange Live on Citizen TV and co-hosting the Hot 96 FM breakfast show.
He has been absent from his regular television and radio appearances since around August 2025, prompting questions from fans accustomed to seeing him weekly. Neither Citizen TV nor Hot 96 FM have issued a statement about the extended break, and the silence has fuelled speculation online.
By late November, the rumours escalated, with some posts claiming that Koinange had died or was already in a funeral home. But are the claims true? We checked.
Claims are false
There is no evidence to support these videos. In fact, there is strong proof that Koinange is alive. On 27 October, radio host Maina Kageni shared a montage of the two spending time together, with Koinange saying: “Hey folks. Jeff Koinange here. Just want to let you know that all is good all the time, and I’m going to be back very, very soon. Sooner than you know. So hang in there. Thanks for your support. See you soon, folks. God bless.”
In the clips, he appears relaxed and in good spirits.
As the rumours intensified in late November, content creator Xtian Dela shared a screenshot of a direct message conversation with Koinange on 24 November. After asking if he was okay, Koinange had replied: “I’m alive and kicking.” This personal exchange further confirmed that he was well.
A day later, Koinange’s colleagues at Hot 96 addressed the rumours directly on air. Speaking on 25 November, presenter Fanya Mambo Kinuthia told listeners that he had spoken to Koinange the previous day, and that he was “alive and well”.
He urged listeners to ignore the false claims. Koinange’s co-host, Patrick Igunza, also dismissed the rumours.
While Koinange’s social media pages have been quieter than usual during his absence, he has posted occasional updates. His most recent public post, on 25 October, was an advertisement for a Texas cowboy-themed event.
Finally, the death of such a well-known public figure would be widely reported by credible sources.
Instead, the video with Maina Kageni, the publicly shared personal messages, and direct statements from colleagues and friends who have spoken to him recently all confirm that he is alive.
The dramatic TikTok videos and funeral claims are fabrications.
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