King of controversies Robert Alai has propelled an online debate claiming that Waihiga Mwaura is shallow and Yvonne Okwara would have made a better replacement in the new show.
This comes hours after Waihiga took over as the new host of Citizen TV’s News Night show, where he had taken the reigns from Hussein Mohamed who ended his 10-year stint at the station last week.
Alai took to twitter sharing his sentiments accusing Waihiga of being clueless and calling him a watermelon interviewer.
“Yvonne Okwara could have been a better replacement for Hussein in Newsnight. Waihiga is too shallow and clueless most of the time.
More of a watermelon interviewer.”
Even though many Kenyans were quick to throw shade on Waihiga, he remains a respected face across Kenya, who covers a wide array of topics from sports to politics.
In fact, in 2018, Waihiga took home a prestigious award after he impressed the panel with his story-telling ability and on-screen presence. Before having his new role, Waihiga has been the host of the Monday Report show with co-anchors Trevor Ombija and Mashirima Kapombe.
Netizens, however, did not give it a second thought and were quick to brush off that Waihiga was better when he worked as a sports journalist.
“Not to say that sports anchors aren’t good, but that’s what he knows how to do best. He should just do that. He is not a person who can ask serious questions n hang on until he gets a straight answer from the always evasive politicians.” said Shiku Jack.
Another follower Mosetio Moseti said, “The guy has been doing morning shows with Sinzi, clueless, inconsistent and engages on gossip.“
Other Kenyans, however, thought Alai’s statement was mean and Waihiga needed a chance to prove himself.
“Isn’t it an option too that Waihiga does adapt to politically leaning dialogues? Everyone starts somewhere,” wrote Kirianja Kinyua.
George Muiruri was convinced that Waihiga was good and it was only fair to give more time bearing in mind his previous achievements.
“CNN Africa Journalist of the Year, BBC Komla Dumor Award winner, and myriad more. He’s more than qualified!” said George.
Like his predecessor, Hussein Mohamed, Waihiga also began his career as a sports journalist.
Possibly, the bar had been set too high for Waihiga since his Hussein had been conducting very steamy and high profile interviews. It would take a lot for one to completely fill his shoes don’t you think?
Below were more reactions from the post.
Yvonne asks the most important questions and she challenges the people she interviews. I see Waihiga and I think football
— Chege Juliet (@Juliejeid) November 5, 2019
very very true! Waihiga is shallow unlike Yvonne who is such a bold ineterviewer but then again to you think Uthamakistan media owner would allow elevation of stranger? Francis Gachuri is even better than this mediocre Waihiga.
— Shadrack Rutto (@SK_Ruttoh) November 5, 2019
Waihiga just says “fair enough”
— Plack (@iPlack_) November 5, 2019
@YvonneOkwara is where she is today due to exposure n being given a platform, let @WaihigaMwaura handle this set, he is qualified
— AMB DANIEL MUGAI (@danmugai) November 5, 2019
@WaihigaMwaura don’t let this naysayers distract you,take the mantle and run with it. Keyboard warriors have nothing to offer,they cannot belittle your credentials.I believe in you Man!
— Simon Koech (@simonkoech) November 5, 2019
hata wewe uko shortsighted. Yvonne Okwaro is analytical, not investigative n inquisitive. Eloquence alone cant propel her to Hussein’s level. She is just good with playing around with explanations
— larry (@larry_matoro) November 5, 2019
Waihiga could have stuck to sports for real!
— Derek. (@Derek_Ojiambo) November 5, 2019