Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has wished veteran journalist Yvonne Okwara well following her departure from Citizen TV, recalling their interactions on The Explainer and crediting her with giving him his first television appearance more than 13 years ago.
In a message shared on social media, Sifuna praised Okwara as one of the best journalists in the industry, expressing gratitude for the opportunity she gave him early in his public life.
“I really loved our little talks on the Explainer. You are one of the best to ever do it. I won't forget you gave me my first appearance on TV over 13 years ago. Forever grateful, God bless!” Sifuna wrote.
He accompanied the message with his best wishes for Okwara as she embarks on the next chapter of her professional journey.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has praised veteran journalist Yvonne Okwara for her contribution to Kenyan journalism, thanking her for what he described as 20 years of exceptional service to the country.
In a message shared on social media, Maraga lauded Okwara’s honesty, integrity, intellectual acuity and relentless pursuit of truth, describing them as rare attributes.
He wished her God’s abundant blessings as she embarks on her next professional chapter, expressing confidence that her future endeavours would contribute to building a fairer and more just world.
Okwara signed off from Citizen TV on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, ending an eight-and-a-half-year stint at the Royal Media Services-owned station.
Her departure has attracted tributes from viewers, colleagues and public figures who have followed her work in journalism, political interviews and current-affairs programming.
The journalist built a reputation through her work on prime-time news bulletins, News Gang and The Explainer, where she engaged political leaders and examined issues affecting Kenyans.
Her exit marks the end of a significant chapter in Kenyan television journalism, with Sifuna's message highlighting the role she played in providing a platform for emerging voices in public affairs.
Sifuna’s tribute also highlights the lasting relationships journalists build with political leaders and other public figures through interviews and current-affairs discussions.
For many guests, such platforms provide an opportunity to communicate their positions directly to the public and engage in national conversations.
Okwara’s contribution to these discussions extended beyond interviewing prominent personalities, earning recognition for her role in facilitating conversations on governance, leadership and accountability.
Veteran journalist Tony Gachoka has praised Yvonne Okwara for her professionalism and interviewing style following her departure from Citizen TV, revealing how her approach to selecting guests helped ease disagreements over political coverage.
Gachoka, who is the KANU Nairobi gubernatorial candidate, said Okwara had excelled in her craft, recalling disagreements he had with Royal Media Services Group Editorial Director Linus Kaikai over the selection of guests perceived to be supportive of President William Ruto.
In a social media tribute, Gachoka said he and Kaikai had clashed over what he described as pro-Ruto guests appearing on Citizen TV without credible challenge.
However, he credited Okwara with finding a way to calm him through her interviewing style and choice of guests, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
“Yvonne Okwara grew and performed her craft excellently,” Gachoka said, adding that her approach helped address his concerns about the balance of political discussions on the station.
