Citizen TV presenter Willis Raburu on Wednesday, April 22, opened up on his remarkable journey from an intern to one of the most recognisable faces in the country, marking seven years since he first anchored the 1 p.m. news bulletin.
Raburu revealed that it had been his childhood dream to be on television, and, when a chance presented itself during his days as a student at Moi University in Uasin Gishu County, he knew he had to grab it.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Raburu disclosed that along with Andhers Ihachi, he got his break after pestering a Royal Media Services (RMS) recruiter at the time, veteran journalist Mercy Oburu, until she finally granted them an interview.
"I was at Moi University and we applied through the school but unfortunately we were a little late, so we had to keep calling the head recruiter at the time, Mercy Oburu, who did not even know us, to constantly ask for a slot. It was Anders Ihachi and myself.
"We insisted until she told us to go for an interview. We left Eldoret that night and were in Nairobi at 4 a.m. ready for the interview that was to be at 8 a.m.," Raburu revealed.
Following the interview, Raburu secured a position as an intern at the organisation but kept dreaming of bigger things.
As his sheer hard-work and skills as a journalist became apparent, Raburu was promoted to the position of reporter.
It was during his time as a reporter that he set his sights on becoming one of the main news anchors at the broadcaster.
Raburu revealed that the advice of colleagues including acclaimed anchors Hussein Mohammed and Johnson Mwakazi played a major role in his career development.
"I began as an intern and then a reporter and thought to myself why not become an anchor too. Hussein Mohammed encouraged me and said if I want to be a good anchor, I should be myself.
"Johnson Mwakazi taught me a few things and prayed with me. The amazing Kirigo Ng'arua sat through many of my initial mistakes and helped me grow," he acknowledged.
He also thanked his bosses over the years; Farida Karoney, Peter Opondo and Mercy Oburu for creating a path for him to turn his dream into reality.
Raburu's efforts paid off and he was promoted to become an anchor and was first assigned the 1 p.m news bulletin on April 22, 2013.
Since then, Raburu grew to become one of the faces of Citizen TV even as he expanded his scope, becoming the host of the popular Friday night entertainment show 10 Over 10.
Reacting to some critics who have chided him in the past for his commitment to the entertainment program which showcases artists, dancers, creatives and fans, Raburu explained that criticism was inevitable but he always took it positively.
"Criticism can be positive or negative, I always take it positively. I try to make the necessary adjustments when I can and where I can but always keeping in mind that I can’t please everyone," he told this writer.
The presenter also reacted to the mention of his name and 10 over 10 in a new song, Hao, by Khaligraph Jones featuring Masauti which was released on Wednesday, April 22.
"Big shout out to Khaligraph for the support man. Sometimes things get so bleak and tiring and you wonder whether you're making a difference, so to hear support from the biggest of them all is humbling," he stated.
Advising young journalists with a dream to make it big in the industry, Raburu urged them not to let go of their dreams, to believe in themselves and to always trust in God.
"Keep dreaming, keep believing especially in yourself because that is what will matter most. No one is created empty, we all have something to offer.
"God's grace is poured on all of us and He never created garbage so successful people look like you," he stated, quoting his signature sign out on the morning show Day Break as parting shot.
