Citizen TV journalist Muraya Kariuki has accused Embakasi East MP Babu Owino of threatening him over his job at Royal Media Services.
In a tweet on Monday night, Muraya claimed that a man who introduced himself as Babu Owino called and sent him alarming messages.
“I just received a very nasty phone call from a person who introduced themselves as Hon Babu Owino on +254 711 111311 This has to do with the work I do. It is not good manners to try scare lowly journalists. Tunaomba tufanye kazi kwa amani,” he posted.
He proceeded to share screenshots of some of the messages sent to him using the number above, where he was warned against covering content that portrays ODM leader Raila Odinga popularly referred to as ‘Baba’ in negative light.
Read More
“You can enjoy your small cheo. You’ll take responsibility for the negative news you choose to air against Baba. We have proven beyond per adventure that you are on the DP’s payroll,” a message sent to Muraya read.
A screengrab of one of the messages allegedly sent to Muraya by Babu Owino.
Responding to the allegations, Babu admitted to calling the journalist and accused him of using his position at Citizen TV to air negative news about the ODM Leader.
“Yes I called you na utawacha ujinga yako. It’s both a professional misconduct and unprofessional conduct using your position to influence and air negative news against Baba,” Babu tweeted.
In his response, Muraya urged the youthful politician to file a complaint with Citizen TV management or other regulatory body, as opposed to sending him threats.
“File a formal complaint please, with my bosses or any regulatory body that you feel would address your concerns. It is better than this nonsense of threats,” he said.
Reacting to Muraya’s post, Babu tweeted: “You told me that you choose whoever appears on news, I see how important you are. Even my grandmother can do that.”
