Senior Citizen TV Journalist Resigns To Vie For Malava MP Seat.
Senior journalist John Wanyama has stepped down from his role at Citizen TV to seek elected office. The reporter, who worked for Royal Media Services and was based in Eldoret,formally submitted his resignation on July 3 with one month’s notice. His final day at the station was August 4.
Wanyama made clear that he intends to contest the Malava parliamentary seat in the 2027 general election, marking a shift from news coverage to direct public service.
In his resignation letter he explained the careful thought behind the move. “After careful consideration, I have decided to resign from my position to pursue a new path in public service by vying for the position of Member of Parliament for Malava Constituency,” he wrote. Wanyama described the decision as the start of a new chapter after years of reporting. He expressed thanks to colleagues and management for their support and guidance throughout his time at the media house.
The journalist joined Royal Media Services in 2013 and spent much of his career covering developments across the wider Rift Valley region. He specifically acknowledged the leadership of company owner S.K. Macharia and Managing Director Wachira Waruru for the mentorship he received. Wanyama also pledged to complete any remaining assignments and hand over all responsibilities and company equipment during the notice period so that the transition would remain smooth.
Royal Media Services formally accepted the resignation in a letter dated July 14. The company instructed him to finish the staff clearance process, settle any outstanding matters, and complete the handover before receiving his final dues. The acceptance confirmed the August 4 departure date and closed his professional chapter with the organisation after more than a decade of service.
Wanyama’s move comes as several other media personalities prepare to enter the political arena ahead of the next elections. The Malava seat has already drawn interest from multiple contenders, including a candidate from the United Democratic Alliance. By leaving the newsroom early, the former reporter joins a growing trend of journalists seeking to translate their public profiles and community knowledge into elected leadership roles.
