Veteran Kenyan journalist Jeff Koinange has sparked mixed reactions online after declining an impromptu interview request from Elijah, the host of digital platform Young Millionaire Talks.
The encounter happened at the Africa Commerce & Industry Summit 2026 in Nairobi and was captured on camera, with the clip later circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms.
Elijah approached Koinange as the veteran broadcaster appeared to be engaged in another conversation. He attempted to introduce his platform and request an interview, but Koinange did not stop for the camera.
In the viral clip, Koinange reportedly tells the young content creator, “Let’s talk later, young man,” before walking away.
The brief exchange sparked debate, with some social media users criticising Koinange for how he handled the request, while others argued that Elijah should have sought permission before recording him.
Elijah hosts Young Millionaire Talks, a digital platform that features conversations about wealth, business, success and personal development. His content focuses on ambition and motivation, making Koinange a potentially high-profile guest for his show.
Although the interview did not happen, Elijah did not react angrily. Instead, he shared the clip online alongside a motivational message about handling rejection and remaining focused on his goals.
“A ‘No’ is just a ‘Yes’ in training,” he wrote, adding that, in his world, “a redirection isn’t a rejection.”
He also described the encounter as proof that he was “in the room where it happens”, before promising his followers that “the next chapters are going to be legendary.”
The video drew divided reactions online. Some users felt Koinange could have handled the request more politely, while others defended his decision to continue with his conversation rather than grant an unplanned interview.
Several commenters also questioned the decision to film the encounter without first obtaining permission.
“Before you record someone please talk to them first,” one user wrote.
Others questioned whether Koinange was the right person for the platform, with one commenter suggesting that Elijah should prioritise interviewing people who had built their wealth from humble beginnings.
Despite the setback, Elijah maintained that he remained committed to his ambitions, telling his followers that he respected the journey, respected icons and would continue moving forward regardless of the obstacles he encountered.