TV extraordinaire and Deputy Editor, Broadcast at Standard Group, Sophia Wanuna called it quits after amassing 11 years of experience.
Highly-placed sources at Standard Group who spoke exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke confirmed that she had tendered her resignation during the second week of April and will be exiting the station by the end of Friday, April 21.
A spot check revealed that the news anchor had been off the air for months as her final appearance on KTN was at a show on Spice FM dated February 7, 2023, where she was a guest host to discuss matters politics.
Efforts by Kenyans.co.ke to reach Wanuna were futile as our calls went unanswered. According to the sources, Wanuna's next move remains known.
Wanuna's departure is undoubtedly a blow, owing to her years of experience, leadership and exceptional reporting prowess across different issues.
Arguably, one of the best political reporters, Sophia previously hosted KTN News' political show, on Sundays at 9:00 pm Checkpoint and was a lead reporter on The Big Story - a current affairs show that aired 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm before it was rested.
In her early years at the Mombasa road-based giant, Sophia also hosted Morning Express.
From covering the who's who in the political arena, reporting live on Azimio mass action to engaging in hostile territories, Wanuna has changed the narrative in terms of the perceived 'bounds' placed on women in journalism.
A notable milestone in her career was moderating the debate between two former running mates, United Democratic Alliance's Rigathi Gachagua (Deputy President) and Azimio's Martha Karua, on July 19, 2022.
The debate saw Wanuna, alongside NTV's James Smart, ask hard-hitting questions to the two politicians over the promises made during the campaign period and their aspirations for the country post elections.
Other memorable news events that Sophia put her best foot forward on were the coverage of the 2013 Westgate attack and the 2019 Dusit D2 complex attack where she had to detail the events as they happened while rescue operations were ongoing.
When it comes to live TV reporting in Kenya, very few journalists match Sophia's mastery of the skill - she's flawless and deep.
"I remember some of the stories that I covered that really stick such as the Westgate and Dusit Attacks, being present at the moment to witness such incidents. You're gathering and delivering information despite the fact that a rescue operation is ongoing.
"One of the most heartwrenching stories was when 40 police officers succumbed to a bandit-attack. Covering that alongside Mohamed Ali (Nyali MP) where we walked for four hours since the terrain was so bad. The smell of demise literally as the bodies were picked up. That story remains etched in my memory," she previously noted.
Another turning point was her coverage of lawyer Miguna Miguna's deportation in March 2018, where she was captured on camera pleading with a cop to stop roughing her up.
Speaking about the matter at a later time, Wanuna revealed how she had to maneuver to get an interview with the lawyer.
"I had booked an interview with Miguna so we agreed that when he lands, we will record and tape an interview for the show. But when he landed, he was not allowed to exit.
"Thinking on my feet, with the little space in the door, I managed to interview him and he recounted what had transpired. At the time, the cops came and kicked us out while roughing up quite a number of my colleagues," she previously recalled.
Her journey in the media began at the national broadcaster, whereby she was accorded an opportunity to present a show. At the time, she auditioned in her second year of university.
She had a short stint as an anchor at Mediamax's K24 before eventually jumping ship to Standard Group in December 2011.
Her passion for journalism is derived from the ability to tell heartfelt stories as well as hold leaders accountable in terms of promises made.
"When growing up, I would get involved in reading contests and would win most of them. I would get vouchers and buy more books to read. Also, I was fond of reading newspapers the moment my father bought them. I would imagine the house is full of people and would read the news aloud," she recalled.
