Speaking during a recent radio discussion, the veteran news anchor revealed how his father, grandfather, and several other relatives were detained by the colonial government for many years without trial.
Jeff explained that his family paid a heavy price for standing up for Kenya at a time when freedom was only a dream.
Jeff explained that his family paid a heavy price for standing up for Kenya at a time when freedom was only a dream.
According to him, his father and grandfather were among those targeted by the colonial authorities because of their strong involvement in the independence movement.
He revealed that his father, Fredrick Mbiu Koinange, was detained for seven years, while his grandfather spent nine years in prison.
He revealed that his father, Fredrick Mbiu Koinange, was detained for seven years, while his grandfather spent nine years in prison.
Combined, the two served a total of 16 years behind bars. Jeff said the detention was harsh and filled with suffering, adding that detainees were held without court hearings, parole, or any promise of release.
“There was no trial and no timeline,” Jeff recalled.
“People were taken away and families were left not knowing whether they would ever see them again.”
Jeff further disclosed that the pain extended beyond his father and grandfather. At least 15 members of his wider family were also detained during that period.
When the total years spent in detention by all family members are added together, he said the number easily goes beyond 100 years.
The journalist explained that the goal of such detentions was not only to punish individuals but also to mentally and emotionally break their families.
Women and children were left behind to survive without support, while their loved ones endured torture and humiliation in detention camps.
Jeff also spoke about his parents’ early years together. His father married his mother, Mary Nyambura, a few years before independence, at a time when the country was still under British rule. Their marriage was tested almost immediately when his father was arrested and detained.
Despite the pain, Jeff said his father never lost hope. On December 12, 1963, when Kenya finally gained independence, his father attended the celebrations at Uhuru Gardens. Jeff recalled being told later by his mother that his father broke down in tears that day.
“He cried because the dream he had suffered for had finally come true,” Jeff shared. “All the pain, detention, and sacrifice suddenly made sense.”
Jeff said his father’s tears were not just of joy but also of remembrance—remembering friends who never lived to see independence and families that were broken by detention.
Jeff also spoke about his parents’ early years together. His father married his mother, Mary Nyambura, a few years before independence, at a time when the country was still under British rule. Their marriage was tested almost immediately when his father was arrested and detained.
Despite the pain, Jeff said his father never lost hope. On December 12, 1963, when Kenya finally gained independence, his father attended the celebrations at Uhuru Gardens. Jeff recalled being told later by his mother that his father broke down in tears that day.
“He cried because the dream he had suffered for had finally come true,” Jeff shared. “All the pain, detention, and sacrifice suddenly made sense.”
Jeff said his father’s tears were not just of joy but also of remembrance—remembering friends who never lived to see independence and families that were broken by detention.
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