Senior Citizen TV Editor Exposes Threatening Texts From Babu Owino

A side by side photo of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and senior Citizen TV editor Muraya Kariuki
A side by side photo of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and senior Citizen TV editor Muraya Kariuki
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Citizen TV senior news editor, Muraya Kariuku, on Monday, September 6, took to social media to expose threatening messages allegedly sent to him by Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino.

Muraya shared screenshots of Owino's derogatory messages and tweet about him.

In the text messages seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Owino told the senior journalist to take responsibility for the negative news that he was airing against the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Raila Odinga and accused Muraya of being on the Deputy President William Ruto's payroll.

"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," reads the message.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino addressing a crowd during a past event.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino addressing a crowd during a past event.
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Muraya requested the lawmaker to allow him do his job without any interferences and advised him to take up the matter with his bosses.

"It is not good manners to try scare lowly journalists. Tunaomba tufanye kazi kwa amani (We pray for peace as we carry on with our duties)...File a formal complaint please, with my bosses or any regulatory  body that you feel would address your concerns," Muraya stated.

In a rejoinder, Owino remained adamant that the journalist was being paid by the DP's allies, adding that he was soiling Citizen TV's name.

"One mongrel with a bird’s brain holding diploma in Journalism, who is paid by DP to mess and/or soil the otherwise good name of Citizen TV is Muraya Kariuki. Rotten to the core," Owino wrote.

The incident came the same day Media Council of Kenya advised legislators aggrieved with any media house to file complaints with the Media Complaints Commission.

"It is legally mandated to handle such matters under Section 27 of the Media Council Act, 2013 and issue remedies as it deems appropriate," remarked MCK.

The Media Regulator was responding after Deputy President William Ruto's allies launched attacks on Citizen TV and asked its followers to boycott the station.

The DP's allies were irked after the station aired a story on Sunday alleging that Ruto's motorcade was pelted with stones.

"Politicians cannot on their own accord, term the media as unprofessional. Such action amounts to taking the law into their own hands and proceeding to pronounce judgement on an issue they are not made to prosecute," the Media Council stated.

DP Ruto holding campaigns in Vihiga County
DP Ruto holding campaigns in Vihiga County
Kenyans.co.ke