On Thursday, incoming K24 journalist, Anne Kiguta, spoke out on former KTN anchor, Esther Arunga’s downfall, touching on several issues critical to women, upcoming journalists and media structures.
Esther, a lawyer by profession, was sentenced to 10 months in prison but immediately released on parole in Brisbane, Australia, after admitting she lied to the police about the death of her three-year-old son, Sinclair Timberlake.
Sinclair's father and former Kenyan presidential aspirant, Quincy Timberlake, was charged with his murder.
Speaking on Arunga's drama, she noted, “I don’t want to comment on Esther’s case because it is still in court. However, I have lessons to learn as well. Everyone likes power, but no one likes the responsibility that comes with it.
"I always urge caution when young people are entering the space. Nothing quite prepares you for this level of public exposure."
Kiguta went on to detail solutions to such a case, she declared that both an individual and media houses should be responsible for thwarting such occurrences. She placed the burden heavily on media houses.
“There is a certain amount of responsibility required of media houses when they are bringing in talent on air. Do they have structures to support these women? Editorial management in stations should step up and put measures to support and protect their brand, and also support matters that can be quite personal.
"Women in politics are exposed to extremely vulnerable positions. They deal with National power that you do not understand,” Kiguta offered her thoughts on the issue.
However, according to the new K24 anchor, it also takes an individual’s effort to protect themselves from a downfall.
“That, however, doesn’t absolve the individual of personal responsibility when engaging in a public space. You can want people to support you and say you need mentorship, but what if you cannot humble yourself in front of another authority? Allow yourself to be mentored and to be teachable in other things," she stated.
Kiguta further revealed why she herself has managed to stay afloat and keep her career blossoming.
“I have been blessed in my career to have people who have walked with me. I have also taught other people. That is critical for me. God has been my first priority. About me not going down that road, I am a person of faith and my faith has grounded me. Without the Grace of God, Yahweh protecting me from lots of issues, then I would not be anywhere,” she disclosed.
More so, she expressed her pity toward Esther.
“But also you don’t know what we go through after asking those tough questions (while interviewing politicians) and then wish you a good evening. I am not more perfect than all those other women. These are things that happen to anyone. It takes one mistake and you go down that road,” Kiguta expressed her sympathy.
Here is the video, courtesy of K24.
