Former TV reporter Johana Chacha recounts struggle with alcohol addiction

The year is 2003 and a young Johana Chacha shows a promising start as a high school enthusiast for journalism, inspired by veteran reporters.

Ten years later, in 2013, he has earned early success. But his upward trajectory as a household name and a seasoned political news reporter at KTN, took a detour when excessive drinking led to his dismissal from the station where he was posted at the political desk.

Undeterred, Chacha secured a news reporter role at K24, where his talent propelled him to the position of Senior Kiswahili Political Reporter.

Unfortunately, his grip with alcoholism persisted, resulting in a job loss and a deepening addiction causing him to lose this foothold in the industry.

“I missed work for three days straight and when I turned up at work on the fourth day, I could not account for where I had been. I was unreachable on phone and none of the editors could get a hold of me,” recounted Chacha, who is undergoing his rehabilitation at Riruta Stadium, Kawangware in Nairobi.

“I felt like I had lost way and my dreams had been cut short, and I got more into alcoholism,” he added.

He then joined MBCI, a Christian TV in Nakuru County, and co-founded a news program.

Despite intermittent successes, including the news program he co-founded and hosted bagging an award, his struggles with alcohol resurfaced and continued to sabotage his professional endeavours.

According to the renowned journalist, it was the Second Lady Pastor Dorcas Rigathi’s rehabilitation program in Nairobi that offered him a lifeline.

“I have been without a media job for about 7 years now because of alcoholism. After hearing about Pastor Dorcas’ rehabilitation program on rectifying the behaviour of alcoholics and drugs, I registered,” he stated.

While undergoing intensive training alongside fellow recovering addicts, he learned to sever ties with the triggers of his addiction.

“We were told to leave bad company and anything to do with alcohol, be it adverts and all else that would trigger us into seeking solace in alcohol,” Chacha said.

"Quitting alcohol does not just happen after rehabilitation; it requires a personal decision and strength from God," he emphasized.

Reflecting on his past, Chacha expressed regret for not reaching the heights of celebrated peers in the media, envisioning a different path if not for alcoholism.

"Had I remained on track, I could have been on par with media luminaries like John Allan Namu and Mohammed Ali," he stated.

With a family to support, the political journalist said he aspires to secure a job and rebuild his career.

"If I get a job, I will hold it with these two hands," Chacha noted.

Chacha is set to graduate from the program on Wednesday, November 22, in Nyandarua.