Chaacha Mwita Appointed Chief Executive Editor at Standard Group

Written by Lisa Murimi

Veteran journalist Chaacha Mwita has been named the new Chief Executive Editor (CEE) of the Standard Group. 

His appointment was announced by the company’s CEO, Marion Mwangi, who stated that Mwita would oversee all content production and support divisions.

Mwita’s appointment comes at an important time for the media house, which has faced financial struggles in recent years. 

The company’s former CEO, Orlando Lyomu, resigned after an expansion plan led to a heavy debt load.

In a statement, Standard Group emphasized Mwita’s leadership role, noting,”The Standard Group PLC announces the appointment of Chaacha Mwita as the group’s Chief Executive Editor (CEE). In this capacity, Chaacha will be responsible for all content production divisions and content support divisions, reporting to the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and aiding in the provision of strategic leadership for the entire organisation,” the statement read in part.

Mwita is making a return to the media house 10 years after his controversial exit. 

In 2014, he was allegedly fired following a report that exposed the government’s extravagant spending on a Ksh 100 million cabinet retreat at the Mt. Kenya Safari Club. 

The story led to tensions with State House, and Mwita, along with two other journalists, was reportedly escorted out of the newsroom by security personnel.

Despite past challenges, Standard Group expressed confidence in Mwita’s ability to strengthen its editorial team.

“We believe Chaacha’s solid achievements as a distinguished journalist and media leader will add value to the organisation as it seeks to reinvigorate its journalism to uphold its tenets of boldness and independence,” Marion wrote in the publication.

Mwita brings over 20 years of experience in journalism, media leadership, and policy engagement across Africa. 

He holds degrees from the University of Nairobi and an MBA from the University of St Gallen, Switzerland. 

His return signals a new chapter for Standard Group as it seeks to reclaim its place as a leader in independent journalism.