Fired Correspondents threaten to sue Nation Media Group

By Newsflash Reporter

A group of recently fired Correspondents from the Nation Media Group (NMG) has threatened to take legal action against the media house, accusing it of unfair and unlawful dismissal.

The journalists, many of whom have served the company for years, say the termination process was rushed, opaque, and inconsistent with the terms stipulated in their employment contracts.

Speaking to Newsflash, the Correspondents expressed shock at the manner in which they were dismissed, describing the termination notices as “hollow write-ups” lacking the formal elements expected from such a communication.

The letters were reportedly issued by the company’s Head of Legal, Sekou Owino, but the journalists insist the documents carried no signature, no company letterhead, and provided no procedural clarity.

“Firstly, we can’t tell that it is Sekou who wrote this ‘composition’. It does not have his signature, nor the company’s letterhead. Secondly, the Human Resource Department is supposed to inform us in advance of this exercise, as clearly spelt out in our contracts. This hurried exercise has totally gone against these provisions,” one of the Correspondents told Newsflash.

Thus, they maintain that the statement is not legally binding and can be challenged in a court of law.

“How can we prove that this statement was written by Sekou without key elements like his signature? It might be possible that someone logged into his Computer and wrote to us such a flat and legally hollow statement,” added the Correspondent.

Psychological torture

He added that the abrupt terminations have already taken a psychological toll on many of the affected journalists. Some, he noted, are struggling with the prospect of explaining the situation to their families—particularly their children who rely on them for school fees and basic support.

“Some of us are breadwinners. How shall we break such news to our children, some of whom are in high-end schools? This is totally inhuman, and we shall not let it pass without taking action,” he said.

He added that others are also servicing huge loans of millions of shillings.

“Where will an affected person who is servicing such a loan head to? This is greatly unfair to a company that we have served with loyalty and dedication. To make the matter worse, they have been guaranteed by the Company’s permanent and pensionable staff,” said another affected Correspondent.

According to the NMG Correspondent Employment Contract, the company is required to issue a one-month notice before terminating a correspondent’s services. It must also settle all monies owed. The group maintains that these contractual obligations were blatantly ignored, prompting them to consult lawyers ahead of filing a case in the Labour and Relations Court.

“With such abrupt termination, it would be interpreted that we committed a professional misconduct, thus affecting us as we look for other jobs. The Employment Contract states that the termination reason should be sound and not vague as it is now,” said a Correspondent.

Citing precedent: The Charles Lwanga case

The Correspondents are now drawing parallels to the case of former Kilifi-based Nation Correspondent, Charles Lwanga, whose court victory against NMG last year strengthened arguments that the company has in the past sidestepped labour regulations.

In May 2024, the High Court ordered Nation Media Group to compensate Lwanga with KSh347,000 after finding that the company had unlawfully and unfairly terminated his employment. Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Monica Mbaru, sitting in Malindi, found Lwanga’s appeal valid, reversing a previous ruling by a Kilifi magistrate and issuing a scathing assessment of NMG’s treatment of the journalist.

Justice Mbaru directed the company to pay Lwanga KSh261,000 as compensation, KSh43,000 for termination without notice, and another KSh43,000 for accrued leave. She ruled that Lwanga was not an independent contractor as previously claimed by NMG, noting he received a monthly wage masked as a retainer, enjoyed 25 days of leave, and had taxes deducted at the source—conditions consistent with the Employment Act of 2007.

“The appellant cannot in any way be viewed as an independent contractor paying his own taxes or working outside the respondent’s control. His duties, terms and work conditions were clearly defined,” she observed.

Lwanga, who was dismissed in 2021 a day after one of his political stories dominated headlines, claimed his reporting angered certain politicians and editors aligned with them. His case has since become a reference point for journalists fighting for recognition and fair treatment within Kenyan media.

Lwanga has since joined the National Government as an administrator.

The newly dismissed Correspondents say his victory has emboldened them. “We are laying our case,” one of them said, expressing confidence that the courts will once again affirm that NMG has a legal obligation to follow due process.

NMG’s CEO vowed to avoid layoffs

The mass dismissal comes only months after the appointment of NMG’s new Chief Executive Officer, Geoffrey Odundo, who assumed office in March with a promise to rebuild staff morale and avoid layoffs as a cost-cutting measure. Odundo succeeded Stephen Gitagama, who retired after years at the helm.

At the time of his appointment, Odundo pledged to cultivate a motivated workforce and rely on his experience in the financial and capital markets sector to drive NMG’s growth. He emphasised that he would prioritize keeping employees happy, ensuring they felt valued, and rewarding their contributions.

“In terms of talent, it is about bringing the best out of people, making sure they feel good about their place of work and ensuring everyone is rewarded for their contribution,” he said.

Odundo also spoke of his vision to strengthen NMG’s influence across the economy, democratic governance, and social affairs. “My aim is to see NMG become the leading source of news across all demographics,” he added.

Yet only months later, Correspondents—who have long formed the backbone of field reporting—say they have been cast aside without explanation or respect.

*NMG CEO Geoffrey Odundo. Photo/Handout*

Many argue that the company’s actions directly contradict the CEO’s assurances, raising concerns about internal decision-making and the sustainability of the relationship between NMG and its frontline journalists.

As the disgruntled Correspondents prepare to file their suit, the unfolding dispute is likely to test not only the company’s legal footing but also its commitment to ethical labour practices at a time when the media industry faces significant financial and operational pressure.

For now, the affected journalists insist they will not back down. “We have served this company loyally. We deserve fairness, dignity, and due process,” one said. “We are ready for the fight ahead.”