Youthful media personality Hassan Umar has finally opened up about one of the toughest periods of his life, losing his job at Radio Maisha a couple of years ago.
In an emotional and candid interview with Clemmo 254, the broadcaster detailed how being listed among staff affected by alleged redundancies at the Standard Media Group left him broken in every sense of the word, financially, emotionally and psychologically.
Umar, who built a significant profile at Radio Maisha, said his career setback was far more than just losing employment.
He revealed that after news of his job loss spread, many of the people he once worked with and called friends began to distance themselves.
“Friends, colleagues, wote walinitenga,” he said, describing how the sudden shift in his circumstances changed the way some people treated him.
For the media personality, the experience was a harsh lesson in how quickly relationships can change under pressure.
Umar confessed that he felt abandoned at a time when he needed support the most, struggling to cope with the sudden loss of routine, income and purpose.
Yet, amid the turmoil, there was one constant figure in his life, his mother.
Umar shared how her unwavering support saw him through his darkest days. With deep gratitude and emotion, he told viewers:
“Kama sio Mama yangu kusimama nami wakati niliachishwa kazi nisingekuwa hai wa leo.”
That declaration underscored just how pivotal his mother’s support was in helping him rebuild.
She stood by him not only as a parent but as a pillar of strength when many other relationships faltered.
While the period following his exit from the station was marked by hardship, Umar has used it as a turning point.
He now speaks openly about mental health challenges, the stigma of job loss, and the importance of resilience.
His story has resonated with many Kenyans, particularly those who feel let down by employers or abandoned by friends when life takes an unexpected turn.
Umar’s experience comes against the backdrop of widespread restructuring at Standard Media Group, which saw several experienced journalists and presenters exit Radio Maisha, a move that left listeners and industry watchers reflecting on the state of legacy media in Kenya.
Today, while still navigating his professional journey, Hassan Umar has found renewed purpose in sharing his story and encouraging others not to give up, regardless of how deep the setback.
His message is clear: even in moments of profound loss, support from loved ones and inner resilience can pave the way for fresh beginnings.
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