K24 TV has strongly dismissed claims that it had shut down operations after 17 years on air, terming the reports as false and misleading.
The rumours started when politician and blogger Alinur Mohamed posted on X that the Mediamax-owned station had closed its doors, a move that, according to his post, had allegedly left hundreds of journalists jobless.
His post read, “BREAKING: K24 TV owned by Mediamax Limited Shuts Down After 17 Years of Operation, Renders Hundreds of Journalists Unemployed,” and quickly gained traction online before he later deleted it.
The post sparked confusion among viewers and raised concerns about the future of one of Kenya’s most recognisable television stations.
In response, K24 TV issued a statement through its official Facebook page, branding the shutdown claims as fake.
The broadcaster urged the public to only rely on verified platforms for credible updates about its operations. “#FakeNewsAlert! Get all our latest news across all our social pages K24TV and our website http://k24.digital,” the station said in its statement.
The management assured viewers that K24 TV is fully operational and continues to deliver news and other content across its television channel, website, and social media accounts.
Despite deleting the post, Alinur has not offered any apology or explanation for sharing the misleading information.
His post drew mixed reactions from social media users. Some people criticised him for spreading unverified claims that could damage the reputation of the station and cause unnecessary panic among employees and audiences.
Others expressed relief after K24 TV confirmed that it had not shut down and was still on air as usual.
The incident has also reignited debate about the role of public figures in shaping public opinion online and the importance of verifying facts before posting.
K24 TV, which is part of the Mediamax Network Limited group, has been broadcasting since 2009 and has built a reputation as one of the country’s leading private television stations.
Over the years, it has provided a platform for news, entertainment, talk shows, and other programming that appeals to a wide audience.
The false claims about its closure highlight the challenges media organisations face in combating misinformation, especially in an era where social media can spread rumours within minutes.
The situation has once again brought attention to the growing problem of fake news in Kenya, with many calling for more responsibility from those with large online followings.
Viewers and readers are being urged to cross-check information with credible sources before believing or sharing it, to avoid contributing to the spread of misleading stories that can have real consequences for individuals and institutions.