“Why I was Fired From Nation Media” John Allan Namu Gets The Details From Gaddo

One of Africa’s most celebrated cartoonist, Godfrey Mwapembwa well known by his trade name GADO has opened up as to why he was let go by Nation.

Speaking to African uncensored founder John Allan Namu in a candid interview, GADO revealed the intricate office politics that saw his tenure as Nations’ longest serving cartoonist and the most read artist daily in this region come to an end.

John Allan Namu not only asked GADO but also went ahead and interviewed NMG’s managerial members both past like Linus Gitahi and the current Group Editor In Chief Tom Mshindi. What emerges is that while the company had been a willing backer to its lead cartoonist especially during the leadership of Linus Gitahi. New presidents and regimes in the East African Countries however became prickly with their representations in GADO’s cartoons . The Jubilee government had picked issue with the ball chains and the DP’s drawing in Hustler Jet cartoon.

However, it was Kikwete’s cartoon with him half naked taking a pick of grapes from one of seven beauties representing the seven carnal sins that accelerated his removal. The Tanzanian government reacted by closing the East African offices there on the basis of improper registration.

It was at this point that it was suggested to that he takes time off to cool things and he went ona sabbatical with plans to join New York Film School. At the agreed date to return, he was curtly informed that his contract will not be renewed following consultations and decisions at the senior management level. Part of the letter read

“We refer to discussions with the undersigned the issue of your contract with the company.” The undersigned were the Group Human Resources Director, David Kiambi, and the Group Financial Controller, Japhet Mucheke.

‘As discussed, the company has opted not to extend your contract after your sabbatical leave expires in February 28th, 2016.”

And just like that ended his association with Nation raising questions of journalistic independence aty major media houses in the region. Here are more details about his dismissal.

Photo Courtesy Of GADO