Kenya, March 21 -- The body of a Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) journalist, Fredrik Parsayo, was found at his residence in Kinoo, Kikuyu Constituency on Friday under unclear circumstances, deepening unease within the national broadcaster already confronting with internal struggles.
KBC confirmed Parsayos's death on Friday, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause.
The matter was reported to Kinoo Police Station, and his remains were transferred to St. Teresa Mortuary as authorities work to piece together the events leading to his demise.
In an official statement mourning his passing, KBC described Parsayo as a valued member of its editorial team.
"Fredrik was a cherished member of our newsroom, and his absence will be deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him," read part of the corporation's statement.
His passing comes at a time when KBC is facing unprecedented leadership challenges, with employees protesting salary delays, mass dismissals and alleged executive overreach by the newly appointed Managing Director Agnes Kalekye Nguna.
The leadership struggles have seen widespread staff unrest, with concerns raised over the institution's financial stability, managerial decisions, and the future of veteran broadcasters who have been instrumental in running the corporation's radio and television divisions.
The controversy surrounding the MD's appointment has fuelled speculation, with employees questioning the integrity of the recruitment process.
Some insiders allege that her selection was not based on competence but on external influence, leading to fears that the corporation is being subjected to politically motivated interference.
Reports indicate that restructuring efforts within KBC have sidelined experienced professionals, with allegations that the MD has positioned close associates in critical roles, bypassing established appointment procedures.
Beyond governance concerns, KBC has been struggling with salary delays, leaving employees frustrated as financial uncertainty grips the organisation.
Sources hinted blogger Cyprian Nyakundi said, "I am writing to acknowledge that I am a staff member of KBC Media Group. I also recognise the ongoing issue of employees being unexpectedly dismissed from the organisation without cause.
"The new MD appointment as KBC Managing Director remains highly controversial. From the outset, her hiring raised concerns due to allegations of coercion within the KBC board and the absence of a proper interview process.
"Reports suggest she secured the position merely by smiling at the interviewers, while more qualified candidates were overlooked. This unfair recruitment process sidelined highly competent individuals of high standing in society."
Now, in her leadership role, the new MD has triggered further turmoil. She has reportedly threatened mass layoffs, labelling staff as "ghost workers" despite their valid contracts. Her apparent lack of management skills is evident, particularly in her failure to recognise the critical role these so-called "ghost workers" play in operating KBC's 13 radio stations and other substations. Among those facing termination are prominent figures in our national heritage, including Ali Salim Manga, Khadija Ali, and John Karani.
Additionally, rumours suggest that she intends to replace current managers with her own associates, disregarding established procedural safeguards within government institutions. Sources indicate that she may face legal repercussions if she proceeds with these actions.
Within KBC, particularly in the radio department, employee morale is plummeting. Staff members feel dismayed, discouraged, and demotivated. To make matters worse, salary payments are being delayed, contradicting the new MD claims of strong government connections. There are whispers that these connections are non-existent and that her assertions are merely empty boasts.
The new MD struggles extend beyond management. Her ability to communicate effectively in official settings is questionable. A prime example was her appearance before an ICT parliamentary committee in Mombasa, where she reportedly blundered through her presentation.
Her incoherent speech, mixed words, and overall unintelligible performance further damaged her credibility, with the video of the incident going viral.
Perhaps most concerning are allegations that the new MD is exploring avenues for personal financial gain within KBC, reportedly enquiring about opportunities for misappropriating funds. However, any such attempts will be exposed and met with firm resistance," a source revealed to Nyakundi on Wednesday.
In light of these ongoing challenges, Parsayo's sudden death has heightened anxieties among employees, with some privately expressing concerns over the distressing working environment at KBC.
While there is no direct evidence linking his passing to the broader turmoil within the corporation, the timing of his death has raised further questions among staff.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.