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| Citizen TV Editorial Director Linus Kaikai |
Citizen TV Editorial Director Linus Kaikai, and news anchors Yvonne Okwara and Mashirima Kapombe are some of the journalists from the media house whose numbers were shared online.
The numbers were allegedly leaked to ‘great them’, a euphemism used by Kenyans to mean to attack them, regarding their coverage of anti-government protests.
But in a twist of events, the journalists said they received heartwarming messages from Kenyans.
While sharing some of the messages that heaped praise on them, Linus Kaikai took a swipe at those who had leaked the numbers even as he thanked Kenyans for their goodwill messages.
“My fellow Kenyans I am overwhelmed by your countless messages of love, kindness and encouragement. This was certainly not the intended outcome of that early morning ‘brief’,” Kaikai said.
“Thank you for the very many calls too; I spoke to a lot amazing countrymen. Let’s keep talking, and loving and serving Kenya in the best way we can. God bless you all.”
Mashirima Kapombe also expressed gratitude to the messages, saying:
“I don’t think this is what they expected. Thank you for all the kind and warm messages. You all give me hope that Kenya will triumph and we are better together; known and unknown, rich or poor, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X. God bless you and our great country.”
While sharing screenshots of messages she received, Yvonne Okwara stated:
“What a day! Absolutely pleasure hearing from you all today. Shukran sana kwa salamu!”
One such message directed at Linus Kaikai read :
“Dear Linus, Your number is circulating online probably shared by sponsored goons but know this brother, you and your team are doing a good job.”
“When your performance is above their mediocrity and hooliganism no amount of propaganda will ever make us hate you or harm you. Continue keeping these thugs in their rightful corner. You’re an inspiration to all of us, young or old.”
The sharing of people’s numbers online began during the anti-government protest where those perceived not siding with the people were condemned.
Their numbers were also shared for Kenyans to caution them even as some attacked them and warned them over their stand.
BY BRIAN ORUTA