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| Baruthi Wa Thayu. |
By 254 NewsDay Reporter.
The duo are yet to make their debut 'appearance' on Kameme FM's drive show 'Humuka', apparently because the Mediamax-owned radio station is not yet done with poaching of crème de la crème of Kikuyu radio.
This is as rumours emerge that the radio station could be in talks with Gukena FM's breakfast show host, Njogu Wa Njoroge, to rejoin the radio station where he used to host Kameme FM's breakfast show (Arahuka).
As such, critics argue that Kameme FM could be awaiting the outcome of the company's negotiations with Njogu before introducing its entire new set of poached talents to its audience.
The rumours of Njogu's almost imminent departure from Gukena FM has, according to a reliable source, sent Radio Africa Group (RAG) management back to the drawing table as it seeks a possible replacement to its star breakfast presenter.
RAG is Gukena FM's mother company that also owns reputable brands like Radio Jambo, Classic 105, Kiss FM, East FM, Smooth FM, Bamba, Star newspaper among others.
The RAG source who sought for anonymity due to the complexity of the matter, says that RAG may be shopping for a not 'so expensive' breakfast presenter considering that Njogu's 'extremely expensive acquisition' has not have had much impact on the station's audience ratings.
A recent radio survey by GeoPoll for the first quarter of 2019, does not even have Gukena FM among the top 10 most listened to radio stations in Kenya while its old and established competitors Kameme FM and Inooro FM make it to the list.
"Njogu was brought here under very huge perks to help Gukena FM gain a foothold in the competitive Kikuyu radio market currently dominated by Kameme FM and Inooro FM. However, this has proved to be a herculean task which has not been lost to the management," the source told 254 NewsDay on Tuesday.
"Consequently, his departure could be a blessing in disguise to the management which is likely to go for a less expensive but impactful replacement," adds the source.
Among the names said to have popped up as Njogu's possible replacement include that of the current Kigooco FM drive show and former Mururi FM breakfast presenter Baruthi Wa Thayu who prides of over 10 years in Kikuyu radio where he has worked in various capacities.
Baruthi Wa Thayu was Mururi FM breakfast host during the hotly contested 2013 presidential election where he was instrumental in appealing to his Kikuyu audience to maintain peace and tolerance, something that would earn him the nickname 'Baruthi Wa Thayu' that simply translates into 'Peace Ambassador'.
"I know that the guy is currently in talks with Gukena FM but I do not know where the talks have reached," the source intimated without divulging further details.
According to the aforementioned GeoPoll survey, Baruthi's 'Kuinikiriria' 5pm to 9pm show, beats Gukena FM's rival show which is steered by former midmorning show presenter Njoki Wa Mburu who was poached alongside Njogu.
Where this latest development leaves the Kikuyu radio landscape, it remains to be seen but what is evident though is that this dust triggered by Kameme FM is far off from settling down.