Your honesty and integrity are rare: David Maraga’s message to Yvonne Okwara after TV exit

United Green Movement (UGM) presidential aspirant David Maraga has praised journalist Yvonne Okwara for her 20 years of service to Kenya following her departure from her media role.

The former Chief Justice thanked Okwara for her contribution to the country, citing her honesty, integrity and commitment to seeking the truth.

In a message to the journalist, Maraga said her professional qualities were rare and wished her well in her next chapter.

“Yvonne: Thank you for the exceptional service you have offered Kenya for the past 20 years.

“Your honesty, integrity, intellectual acuity and the relentless search for the truth are rare attributes.

“I wish you God’s abundant blessings in your next chapter, which I believe will contribute to a fair and just world,” Maraga stated.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also wished Okwara well, recalling that she gave him his first television appearance more than 13 years ago.

Sifuna, who appeared on The Explainer, said he valued their conversations and remained grateful for the opportunity she gave him.

“Wishing you all the best in your next chapter, Yvonne Okwara. I really loved our little talks on the Explainer. You are one of the best to ever do it.

“I won’t forget you gave me my first appearance on TV over 13 years ago. Forever grateful, God bless!” Sifuna stated.

The senator’s message focused on his experience with Okwara and the opportunity she gave him to appear on television early in his public career.

Maraga and Sifuna are among the public figures who have sent messages to Okwara as she begins her next chapter after 20 years in journalism.

Okwara signed off from Citizen TV on Tuesday, October 27, ending her eight-and-a-half-year stint at the Royal Media Services-owned station.

During her final broadcast of The Explainer, the journalist thanked her colleagues, mentors, family and viewers for their support throughout her career.

She also reflected on her journey in journalism, which spans two decades and includes work in radio and television.

Okwara joined Citizen TV in May 2018 after leaving KTN News. At the station, she anchored prime-time news bulletins and hosted current affairs programmes, including The Explainer. She was also part of the News Gang team and served as Business Editor.

In her farewell remarks, Okwara indicated that she was moving on to pursue a new undertaking but did not disclose details of her next role during the broadcast.

“After 20 years of building this ship, it is time to build another,” she said.

She also urged journalists and Kenyans to continue asking questions and holding those in power accountable.

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