Citizen TV journalist Ayub Abdikadir found himself at the center of online conversations after a charged and widely discussed interview with lawyer Miguna Miguna on Sunday, July 13. Known for his unrelenting style and blunt commentary, Miguna brought his usual firebrand energy to the discussion, challenging and dismantling questions he deemed superficial or ill-informed.
The interview was highly anticipated, with many viewers expecting fireworks, and they weren’t disappointed. Ayub, known for his calm demeanor and sharp questioning, remained composed throughout, but the encounter proved to be one of the most challenging interviews of his career.
From the onset, Miguna set the tone by countering several questions with dismissive remarks and personal jabs. One heated exchange occurred when Ayub asked him whether he had critically analyzed President William Ruto’s pledges before publicly supporting his manifesto in June 2022. Miguna strongly objected, calling it the most absurd question he’d ever encountered. He insisted there was no way he could have predicted the president would allegedly abandon his promises, adding, “Are you God? Could you have foretold that Ruto was going to… people in 2024 and 2025?”
In another intense moment, Miguna accused Ayub of suffering from memory loss, accusing him of misquoting and misinterpreting earlier parts of the interview. “Unlike you, Ayub, I don’t suffer from memory loss,” he said sharply, adding that Ayub was referencing a tweet from 2022 out of context. He went further to liken Ayub to a character described by philosopher Voltaire, known for distorting facts.
Despite the difficult exchange, Ayub managed to maintain his professionalism, continuing with the line of questioning and steering the conversation back on course repeatedly. However, social media erupted with commentary, with many expressing sympathy for the journalist, acknowledging that few interviewers escape unscathed after going toe-to-toe with Miguna.
Some netizens noted that Ayub was practically on trial, with Miguna taking over as both guest and interrogator. “The interviewer has been mercilessly interviewed,” one comment read, while another added, “Abdikadir is waiting for the interview to end so he can disappear into thin air.” Others described Miguna as a “bulldozer,” praising his aggressive debating style and uncompromising stance on political issues.
Comments ranged from humorous to sharply critical. Some labeled Miguna a bully, while others celebrated his no-nonsense approach. “Miguna doesn’t mince words. He calls a spade a spade,” one viewer observed, while another quipped, “Can someone free Abdikadir from Miguna?”
The interview drew attention not just for the tension between guest and host, but for how it highlighted the increasingly combative nature of political journalism in Kenya. With the rise of highly opinionated public figures, journalists are often caught between seeking accountability and navigating personalities that don’t tolerate perceived softness or bias.
Ayub, who has quickly risen through the ranks in Kenya’s media space, has had notable moments before. In February 2025, he marked his debut on the Jeff Koinange Live show by gifting Jeff a stylish sky-blue tie with a bold pattern—an act that was captured in a viral TikTok video and applauded for its thoughtfulness.
The Miguna interview, however, will likely be remembered for entirely different reasons. It not only tested Ayub’s composure but also sparked a nationwide conversation on the power dynamics in high-stakes journalism.
