Citizen TV anchor Willis Raburu on Monday, June 26, shared a remarkable incident from his career. He recounted a particular instance when he reported on a story during prime-time TV news, a situation which rattled the station's bosses.
Speaking at Social Newsroom, Raburu shared his experience as an intern when he was assigned to work on a developing story. He was granted a unique opportunity to delve into a murder case that involved the tragic death of a fiancée who was shot just a day before her wedding.
Raburu highlighted that he dedicated considerable efforts to conducting comprehensive interviews with the police involved in the investigation and the grieving family members of the deceased. He then compiled a comprehensive report.
Filled with enthusiasm about his coverage, he eagerly presented the report to the news editor. However, the news editor decided to assign the task of voicing the report to a more seasoned journalist.
The editor, however, had a change of heart and decided to defy the company's policies, opting to take a chance on Raburu. This unexpected decision rattled the station's bosses.
"Back then, we had policies in place whereby an intern could not report or touch a prime-time story. For instance, there was a particular scenario which entailed a murder case where a bride-to-be had come from their rehearsal, and while leaving the venue, she got accosted by some men and was shot," he stated.
"I went to the police and conducted all the interviews. When I got to the news editor, they informed me to give it to someone else. She, however, decided to take a risk and went against the policy, allowing me to voice the article," he added.
The journalist indicated that the bosses were irked by the prospect of an intern voicing the lead story in the prime-time news, which put the editor in a tight spot.
"On that day, as soon as (former news anchor) Julie Gichuru announced Willis Raburu's reports, the editor's phone began to blow. For the entirety of my story, which lasted three to four minutes, the then boss gave her a mouthful. 'Do you think this is a training institution? How can you allow an intern to do the first 9:00 pm story? The editor pleaded with the boss to see the story which they later praised," he noted.
While reminiscing about his experience, he recalled another story that attracted the ire of President William Ruto (then Eldoret North MP), whom he received a call from.
The news anchor tipped his hat to his colleagues and those who played a pivotal role in shaping his life. He also lauded the Royal Media Services (RMS) for its open-door policy and organisational culture, which made the newsroom lifestyle more conducive.
He noted that he received multiple phone calls from other media houses shortly after announcing his exit at RMS.
Raburu tendered his resignation letter at the beginning of June 2023 and noted that he would continue to pursue his Master's of Strategic Communications and Communications for Development at the United States International University (USIU).
During his 13-year stint at the station, he played different roles, including hosting shows such as Sporty Monday, Day Break Show and 10 over 10.
