I’m grateful God gave me a second chance - Veteran journalist Richard Chacha

In 2012, veteran journalist, Richard Chacha was involved in an accident that left him crippled from the waist downwards. He told ISHAQ JUMBE how the accident affected him, the healing process and his new job at Mombasa County

Tell us more about yourself...

I studied at a private primary and secondary school before joining Kenya Institute of Mass communication to pursue a diploma. I was very passionate about media.

I knew I was born for TV. After graduating, I landed a job at KBC and was doing radio production. But, later I was moved to TV as a reporter.

While at KBC, I gained a lot of experience. In 2004, I moved to NTV. It was like my second home. My workmates and bosses made my work fun and I learnt a lot.

 The car crash on that fateful day in 2012, what exactly happened?

 Wow! Where do I even start? It was bad. Tragic. I knew my dreams had been shattered in a flash. I had just been promoted to political affairs editor and  everything was falling into place.

On that particular day, we were heading to Kilgoris for a fundraiser. I remember joking and telling my colleagues to ensure they had their seat belts on. The crash was sudden and I still can’t believe I can remember nothing.

I lost consciousness and woke up in hospital. It’s family and friends who told me most of what happened. I was hospitalised at Nairobi Hospital for three months and later flown to India for further treatment

 The treatment must have strained you. How did you manage? 

I have been very fortunate. My medical cover limit was only Sh500,000. For the three months I was at Nairobi Hospital,  my bill amounted to around Sh8.5million. Thankfully, my employer at the time cleared the bill.

My medical trip to India was made possible by contributions of friends and I am grateful for their support. I have  been to India four times and because of their overwhelming support, I’ve always managed to clear my medical bills.

 How did life change after the accident? Were your colleagues supportive? 

No one prepares you for any misfortune in life. I had to cope and I am grateful for the overwhelming support I got from my friends. I  tried to get back to my old self, though it wasn’t easy.

I was the political affairs editor and I went to Parliament twice, but at some point, it became too much of a strain. I managed to interview the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Leader of Majority whose offices were on the first floor. I relied on friends or strangers to take me up the stairs. 

How did this affect your work?

I conducted interviews from my office, although not everyone was willing to come to the office. I would  send someone to do the interviews on my behalf, but of course, it never came out exactly the way I wanted it. Somehow, I had to accept that things  would never go back to normal. 

There were rumours that you had been fired at Nation Media Group (NMG). How did you take the news?

Those were just rumours. NMG invested a lot in me and supported me. To date, I can always go back to NMG and I will always be welcome. I visit whenever I can because they regard me highly. From the people at the gate to the highest office, they always make me feel welcome.

Why did you resign?

It was my conscience. I felt I wasn’t really giving back to my satisfaction. Further, I needed to take a rest and chart my future. I felt that I needed to go back to the drawing board, concentrate on my therapy as I determined my future.

I have a PR degree which I hadn’t exploited. So, when an opportunity for Director of Communications and Public Relations at Mombasa County presented itself, I took up the job.

How is the new position? 

 This job is right for me. I have made new friends and they appreciate me around here.

How has the healing process been?

I have learnt a lot during this time. The challenges I have faced have been real. I have been forced to make so many adjustments in my life.

I stopped frequenting social events, apart from the occasional football match that I cannot miss with the boys. So many things I could do have been limited.

Even the places I visited became inaccessible. My children and family and friends had to adjust as well. I have attended counselling sessions where I learnt there are those faring worse than me. I am just grateful. Some people who have had worse injuries have soldiered on without despairing.

Which is the greatest lesson you have learnt?

Not everyone who drinks with you is your friend. I lost so many friends. There are those with whom I used to communicate on the phone all the time, but they stopped calling and answering my calls.

I wonder what happened to some of these close friends. Maybe, they thought that whenever I called, I would be asking for help, which was not the case.

The experience taught me to appreciate those who stood with me at my hour of need. I am glad I made new friends during my healing process.

What do you mean new friends?

There have been new friends, like the Deputy President, for instance. He used to visit, sometimes up to three times a week, despite his busy schedule. I will forever be grateful.

The Mombasa Governor, Hassan Joho, is an old friend. We knew each other before he became the MP for Kisauni. The leader of Opposition Hon Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka also supported me.

What about your family?  
My wife is a teacher and she has been very supportive. I am really grateful.

Final word?

I will never forget the staff of NMG who mobilised to pray for me while I was at Nairobi Hospital. After failing to manage my temperature, which had shot to 43 degrees, doctors declared there was nothing they could do and told the family to expect the worst.

But my former colleagues stood firm in faith and prayed for me. I attribute my recovery to their faith.