Kenyans Raise Funds for Former NTV Journalist

An image of Lolani Kalu
Former NTV journalist Lolani Kalu posing for a photo in a studio.
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A day after former NTV journalist Lolani Kalu's story was highlighted by the media, Kenyans have overwhelming shown their support by contributing for the reporter.

Kalu on Wednesday, September 30, indicated that he has since received slightly over Ksh 200,000 from well wishers.

"Many Kenyans have been sending between Ksh 50 and Ksh 100 and I am simply overwhelmed. I lack words to express my gratitude to the well-wishers from far and wide, who have sent whatever they had to my cell phone line via mobile money," he stated.

An image of Lolani Kalu
Former NTV journalist Lolani Kalu posing for a photo with a friend.
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The story of the journalist went viral on Tuesday after he narrated his struggles since losing his job, and how he was conned his hard-earned money. He added that he was struggling to support his ailing parents.

The money could not have come at a better time for Kalu who plans to use the Ksh250,000 contributed by Kenyans to kickstart his career.

"I will use this money to buy a camera and sound equipment. Ksh 200,000 for the camera and Ksh 50,000 for sound equipment," he stated.

The 55-year-old journalist stated that he had been focusing on stories of arts and culture, which he was passionate about.

"My struggles started when someone conned me around Ksh. 1.5 million. I was just a bout to build a house when he conned me.

"I did some job with a company, but again they did not pay me my dues. That, coupled by the fact that I had a sick dad to cater for really dented my pockets," he explained.

The former journalist hosted a show by the name Malimwengu which ran on NTV. He, however, lost his job in 2017 and now lives in Kaloleni, Kilifi County.

He set up his own production house which faced challenges in the initial stages of establishing it.

Kalu spends his time in the village where most youth look up to him for advice and financial assistance due to his past status.

File image of a news set at NTV studios in Nairobi
NTV studio at Twin Tower along Kimathi Street.
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