Prominent journalists from Royal Media Services have received an outpouring of support and encouragement after their phone numbers were leaked online.
Among the affected were Citizen TV Editorial Director Linus Kaikai and news anchors Yvonne Okwara and Mashirima Kapombe.
The leak, intended to subject them to harassment for their coverage of anti-government protests, backfired spectacularly.
Instead of the anticipated backlash, Kenyans flooded the journalists with messages of appreciation and solidarity.
Linus Kaikai, while expressing his gratitude, also took a jab at those who leaked the numbers.
“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 remarked.
He continued, “Thank you for the very many calls too; I spoke to a lot of amazing countrymen. Let’s keep talking, and loving and serving Kenya in the best way we can. God bless you all.”
Mashirima Kapombe also conveyed her appreciation, reflecting on the unexpected support from the public.
“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,” she said.
Yvonne Okwara shared her experiences and some of the messages she received. “What a day! Absolute pleasure hearing from you all today. Shukran sana kwa salamu!” Okwara wrote, expressing her gratitude.
One particularly touching message directed at Linus Kaikai highlighted the public’s admiration for the journalists’ integrity and dedication.
“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 message read.
The ordeal began during recent anti-government protests, where individuals perceived to be unsupportive of the protests were targeted.
Their phone numbers were disseminated online, encouraging Kenyans to caution or harass them.
However, this attempt to intimidate the journalists has only strengthened their resolve and underscored the support they have from the public.
Despite the initial intention of the leak, the incident has become a testament to the resilience and unity of Kenyans, demonstrating a collective commitment to positive discourse and mutual respect.
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