Media personality Sophia Njehia has publicly criticised veteran journalist Jeff Koinange over what she described as a lack of direct questioning on historical land injustices during televised interviews with political leaders.

Direct challenge in live interviews

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In remarks that circulated widely online, Njehia questioned Koinange’s interviewing approach on his high-profile programme, urging him to confront powerful politicians more directly on issues of land ownership and past injustices.
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She posed a blunt example of the kind of question she believes should be asked: “Kwa nini uliiba ile shamba?” (Why did you grab that piece of land?)
Her comments focused on interviews involving senior political figures, where discussions often cover governance, development, and national unity but may not always delve into allegations tied to historical land grabbing.                                                                    
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Context of land injustices in Kenya

Land ownership disputes have remained a recurring issue in Kenya for decades. Reports by commissions such as the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission have previously identified land grabbing by influential individuals as a major historical injustice requiring redress.

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These disputes have been linked to broader social and political tensions, particularly in regions such as the Coast and Rift Valley, where questions of ancestral land rights and allocation have persisted.

Role of the media

Koinange, a prominent figure in Kenyan broadcast journalism, is known for hosting interviews with senior government officials, opposition leaders, and public figures. His show has historically provided a platform for national dialogue on key issues.
Njehia’s remarks highlight ongoing public debate about the role of journalists in holding leaders accountable, especially on sensitive topics such as land ownership, corruption, and historical injustices.

Njehia Sophie // Instagram

Public reaction

The comments have sparked discussion on social media, with some users supporting Njehia’s call for more direct questioning, while others defended the constraints and editorial considerations involved in conducting televised interviews with high-ranking officials.
The exchange underscores the continued relevance of land issues in Kenya’s public discourse, as well as expectations placed on the media to address them during national conversations.