EXCLUSIVE: More Radio Heads Leave Capital FM

Capital FM is seemingly surviving through its toughest times following a mass exodus of its presenters and bosses alike.

In the latest blow, the Lonrho House-based urban radio station lost its Programmes Controller, Michael Waithaka, popularly known as WDJ.

Waithaka had spent 14 years at the station since joining in 2005.

Speaking in what seemed like his last show, the deejay reminisced his time at the station and how it impacted his own career. He watched many staffers leave only to return and find him there.

"It has been 14 years. (I joined in) 2005, it was in April or May. It is a place I have called home. It has been a great journey. Great things have happened here. Lots of talent have come through this door. We've seen a lot of people come and go. I thought I was one of them leaving," the DJ told his fans.

It is, however, not clear where he is headed to.

The announcement comes just four days after Capital FM's Managing Director, Somoina Kimojino, left and was named as the new General Manager (GM) of Homeboyz Radio.

Homeboyz Radio's board chairman, Myke Rabar, described the incoming director as "one of the most respected executives in the media industry in the region, and she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and networks in the radio and events business."

Somoina, a veteran in the radio and events industry for the past 15 years, began her new responsibilities immediately and is expected to double the listenership of her new station. She previously worked as Head of TV at CNBC.

Two months ago, four other staffers left the station in the same week. They included presenter Maqbul Mohammed,  Editorial Director Michael Mumo, Special Projects Editor Rob Jillo and veteran senior presenter Cess Mutungi.

Known for her sultry voice and bubbly personality, Mutungi had worked at the station for 10 years.

When he left, reports indicated that Maqbul had left for an undisclosed station.

Mumo and Jillo left to concentrate on private consultancy and other business ventures. Mumo joined the station in 2003 as a news editor and was named editorial director in 2006.

Jillo, on the other hand, was the first Online Editor for Capital Group. Previously, he worked as a court reporter.

A month before their exodus, sassy voiced presenter Anita Nderu also left the station for new challenges.

The station had earlier claimed that the presenters of their popular Hits Not Homework show, including Ms Nderu, would be re-absorbed, only for them to leave one after the other.