Famed sports presenter Hassan Mwana wa Ali disclosed why he declined a request from his former colleague Stephen Mukangai to commentate on Radio Maisha for the last time on Saturday, February 17, 2023.
Ali shocked many of his die-hard fans when he announced his exit from the Standard Media Group-owned radio station after serving for over a decade.
However, on Thursday morning, February 23, after the dust had settled, Ali revealed that he had to lie to his friend.
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"Last Saturday, my former colleague Stephen Mukangai requested me to commentate a football match on Radio Maisha for the last time - the clash between Chelsea and Southampton.
“He was surprised because I totally declined. I had to ask Mukangai to go to the studio and then I will follow him. But I never kept my promise because of various reasons,” commented Ali.
According to the Swahili commentator, he did not want to bid his Radio Maisha fans farewell because of emotional related reasons.
"The main reason I did not grant Mukangai his request is due to the mixed feelings about my exit that was witnessed on social media platforms.
“I didn't want to make my fans cry. Tears were almost falling from my eyes,” explained the Kenyatta University alumni.
Ali, who has previously worked for the national broadcaster also divulged that he resigned because he wanted to try a new experience.
According to the man who helped Mukangai land a job at the Mombasa road-based media house, the idea to quit came to his mind when he was in Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Ali ended by thanking his fans and stating that would be making a comeback soon.
“Where I am right now, I am happy. I am also very grateful for the way you guys would like to see me back on the air.
“I never knew people loved me this way. I have written down your suggestions and I will go through them,” he stated.
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