According to reports circulating within media and political circles, RMS has allegedly issued an internal directive requiring employees with political ambitions to resign by the end of June 2026 if they intend to seek elective office.
The move is said to be part of the company's long-standing policy aimed at maintaining editorial independence and preventing conflicts of interest as the country heads into another heated election season.
While the broadcaster has not publicly confirmed the directive, similar measures were implemented before the 2022 General Election when journalists seeking political positions were required to exit the newsroom months before campaigns officially began.
While the broadcaster has not publicly confirmed the directive, similar measures were implemented before the 2022 General Election when journalists seeking political positions were required to exit the newsroom months before campaigns officially began.
The reported directive has placed several well-known media personalities under the spotlight, with speculation growing that some of the country's most recognizable broadcasters could soon swap television studios and radio microphones for campaign rallies and political platforms.
Among the names attracting the most attention is Trevor Ombija, one of Citizen TV's most familiar faces.
Reports indicate that Ombija has allegedly intensified political activities in Nyakach Constituency and is preparing a bid for the parliamentary seat.
His growing presence at community events has fueled speculation that he may be ready to make the transition from journalism to elective politics.
Also attracting attention is Lulu Hassan, whose popularity extends far beyond news broadcasting. The celebrated journalist and media entrepreneur is reportedly considering a parliamentary run in Mvita Constituency.
Also attracting attention is Lulu Hassan, whose popularity extends far beyond news broadcasting. The celebrated journalist and media entrepreneur is reportedly considering a parliamentary run in Mvita Constituency.
If she eventually joins the race, her extensive public profile and influence along the Coast region could make her a formidable contender.
Another journalist frequently mentioned in political discussions is Stephen Letoo. Known for his extensive coverage of issues affecting the Maasai community and national political affairs, Letoo has reportedly emerged as a potential candidate for the Kilgoris parliamentary seat.
Another journalist frequently mentioned in political discussions is Stephen Letoo. Known for his extensive coverage of issues affecting the Maasai community and national political affairs, Letoo has reportedly emerged as a potential candidate for the Kilgoris parliamentary seat.
Political observers have noted his increasing engagement with local development issues, further fueling speculation about his ambitions.
Reports have also linked Michael Njenga to the Kabete parliamentary race. Njenga, a familiar voice and face among vernacular media audiences, is said to be weighing his options as political activity begins to gather momentum ahead of the next election cycle.
At the Coast, Mwanahamisi Hamadi is reportedly considering a bid for the Likoni parliamentary seat. Her long-standing media career and strong visibility in the region have made her name increasingly prominent in local political conversations.
Meanwhile, Tina Ogal has been linked to a possible challenge for the Embakasi East parliamentary seat. If she enters the contest, she would seek to represent one of Nairobi's most politically active constituencies.
In Nyamira County, reports suggest that Nancy Kwamboka Omweri could be preparing a gubernatorial bid. Such a move would place her among a growing number of media personalities seeking top county leadership positions.
The growing trend of journalists joining politics is not new in Kenya. Over the years, several prominent media figures have successfully transitioned into public service, leveraging their visibility, communication skills, and public trust to build political careers.
Supporters argue that journalists often possess a deep understanding of governance issues after years of covering politics, development, and public affairs.
Reports have also linked Michael Njenga to the Kabete parliamentary race. Njenga, a familiar voice and face among vernacular media audiences, is said to be weighing his options as political activity begins to gather momentum ahead of the next election cycle.
At the Coast, Mwanahamisi Hamadi is reportedly considering a bid for the Likoni parliamentary seat. Her long-standing media career and strong visibility in the region have made her name increasingly prominent in local political conversations.
Meanwhile, Tina Ogal has been linked to a possible challenge for the Embakasi East parliamentary seat. If she enters the contest, she would seek to represent one of Nairobi's most politically active constituencies.
In Nyamira County, reports suggest that Nancy Kwamboka Omweri could be preparing a gubernatorial bid. Such a move would place her among a growing number of media personalities seeking top county leadership positions.
The growing trend of journalists joining politics is not new in Kenya. Over the years, several prominent media figures have successfully transitioned into public service, leveraging their visibility, communication skills, and public trust to build political careers.
Supporters argue that journalists often possess a deep understanding of governance issues after years of covering politics, development, and public affairs.
Critics, however, caution that media personalities may face challenges adjusting from the role of observer to that of active political participant, where scrutiny can be even more intense.
For Royal Media Services, the reported directive reflects an effort to preserve public confidence in its journalism by ensuring clear separation between political ambitions and newsroom responsibilities.
For Royal Media Services, the reported directive reflects an effort to preserve public confidence in its journalism by ensuring clear separation between political ambitions and newsroom responsibilities.
Media organizations worldwide often require employees seeking public office to resign or take extended leave to avoid perceptions of bias.
With the reported June deadline fast approaching, attention is now shifting to whether the journalists named in the reports will formally declare their political intentions.
With the reported June deadline fast approaching, attention is now shifting to whether the journalists named in the reports will formally declare their political intentions.
If they do, Kenyan audiences may soon witness a significant reshaping of television and radio screens as some of the country's most recognizable broadcasters embark on entirely new careers in elective politics.
For now, however, many of the alleged ambitions remain unconfirmed publicly, leaving viewers and political observers waiting to see who will ultimately trade the newsroom for the campaign trail ahead of the 2027 elections.
For now, however, many of the alleged ambitions remain unconfirmed publicly, leaving viewers and political observers waiting to see who will ultimately trade the newsroom for the campaign trail ahead of the 2027 elections.
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