Jeff Koinange: I also go broke sometimes

Despite being worth Ksh 50 million, presenter Jeff Koinange sometimes looks at his bank account and sighs with disappointment.

The popular journalist confessed in an interview that he also goes broke sometimes just like any other ordinary Kenyan despite his wealthy family background and thick portfolio.

I go broke, just like the next person. But because I was born into a family name like this, ‘Koinange,’ they say, Oh you people have a street named after you, your people were in government for the last 50 years,” said Jeff in a one-on-one interview with SDE.

His father died when he was just two months old

Jeff, in the interview, said that his father died two months after he was born leaving his mother a widow with three other children to care of meaning he had to step up his hustle from a young age but he doesn’t regret as much.

“My father died the day I turned two months old, leaving a 28 year old widow to care for four kids on her own, and she did don’t just imagine things,” he said.

” Also because if he was around, we might have ended up as some really spoilt brats as kids, and I’m glad we didn’t end up that way. So, you know, it’s not my calling, but, I think it’s a good thing he went.

He added:

Jeff with son Jamal

“And look, that’s what people think, it’s the stereotypical image they have of me, and I hope I can set the record straight with the book, because, everyone thinks I grew up privileged.

I do go broke, just like the next person. But because I was born into a family name like this, ‘Koinange,’ they say, “Oh, you people have a street named after you, your people were in government for the last 50 years.”

And for me it’s like, you know what, that’s all well and good, but listen to my story, listen to the fact that my father died the day I turned two months old, leaving a 28 year old widow to care for four kids on her own, and she did. You know, read the story, don’t just imagine.

“This is exactly why people are so misunderstood. And it is also why I think it’s important for everyone to write their story, because, people assume whatever they want to assume.

Even then, at the end of the day, I might not be able to convince some people. They’ll still sit and think, this is just a book, it’s just a story. And that’s unfortunate.”

About this writer:

Pauline Syombua

Content Developer IG: Kermbua