Willis Raburu Quits Citizen TV After 13 Years

Citizen TV journalist Willis Raburu at Citizen TV studios.
Citizen TV journalist Willis Raburu at Citizen TV studios on September 6, 2022.
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Willis Raburu

Citizen TV News anchor Willis Raburu announced on Monday, June 26, that he was leaving the station after a 13-year stint. 

The celebrated anchor made the announcement in a four-minute self-recorded video where he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve at the station. 

Raburu recounted his time at the Royal Media-owned station since joining as an intern to becoming one of the top media personalities countrywide stating that this week was his last. 

"Over the past few weeks, since June, I have had the opportunity to reflect on a lot of things concerning my life. What has become a general theme for me is gratitude. I am grateful to you who has walked with me in those 13 years. I have been in the media doing several different things. I am grateful for the opportunity to come out and do what it is I love," he stated.

US ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman (in red) and Citizen TV's Willis Raburu on Thursday, November 24, 2022
US ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman (in red) and Citizen TV's Willis Raburu on Thursday, November 24, 2022
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"This week, I bid farewell to Royal Media Services, my home for 13 remarkable years. Thank you for the platform to break barriers, inspire change, and connect with all of you. Onward to new adventures," he added.

Raburu stated that he tendered in his resignation letter at the beginning of June noting that it was not an easy decision to make. His employers, however, supported him throughout the period making it easier for him to transition. 

His last day at the station, he stated, will be Friday, June 30, 2023.

The 10 Over 10 host noted that Royal Media station had given him the opportunity to grow in different multi-media sectors including interviewing President William Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta. 

"It has allowed me to grow in my appreciation of people and things. From the time I started as an intern in 2010 at Royal Media to the different stories that I have done including an interview with the sitting President William Ruto. I have travelled, made the news and done different types of products on air," stated an emotional Raburu. 

In his farewell message, Raburu revealed that he had documented his experience at Royal Media in a book titled "Undefined", highlighting how he expressed his various talents. The book, he stated, was already available for sale. 

"I have also hosted one of the biggest shows that target the youth, music, content, and entertainment, that is 10 over 10. It has been an amazing learning curve.

"I am grateful to all my colleagues who have held my hand and I have put all of these 13 years in a book I have called 'undefined' because I have been able to do several things. Being defined means you are put in one box. Being undefined means you get rid of the box altogether and you are able to appreciate every vein of talent that you have," he noted.

Raburu disclosed that he was taking a break from the media but will be continuing with his Master's of Strategic Communications and Communications for Development at the United States International University (USIU).

"You might ask me what next. Well, I am on rest for now. I want to take a breather and share the knowledge that I have through my book and continue with my master's at USIU," he noted. 

During his time at Citizen TV, Raburu played different roles including hosting shows such as 10 over 10, Sporty Monday, and the Day Break show. He also doubled up as a news anchor at the station. 

Willis Raburu and former 10 Over 10 show host Joey Muthengi.
Willis Raburu and former 10 Over 10 show host Joey Muthengi.
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