Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is on the spot for allegedly sending threatening texts to a Citizen TV news editor.
The editor, Muraya Kariuki, claimed to have received calls and texts from an individual that identified themselves as Babu.
One of the texts read, “You can enjoy your small cheo (post). You’ll take responsibility for the negative news you chose to air against Baba. We have proven beyond per adventure that you are on DP’s payroll.”
The lawmaker quickly took responsibility for the texts and calls saying that Kariuki was using his position to influence news that do not favour ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
“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 said in a tweet.
Kariuki asked that the lawmaker takes action through the correct route without resorting to 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,” the journalist responded.
Not one to back out of a fight, the first time MP said, “You told me that you choose whoever appears on news, I see how important you are. Even my grandmother can do that.”
“Your age mates are at CNN while you are still here whining.”
This comes shortly after the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) defended Citizen TV.
The Royal Media Services (RMS) owned station has been trending after allies of Deputy President William Ruto accused it of bias.
This was following a report aired on Sunday night that the DP’s motorcade was stoned in Naro Moru, Nyeri County, during a church visit in the area.
