Journalist’s life threatened over land story

By LEONARD KULEI

Nakuru, Kenya: A Standard journalist based in Nakuru now fears for his life after he received threatening text messages following a story he filed a week ago.

Vincent Mabatuk  who recorded statements at the Nakuru Central Police Station yesterday, said he has also been receiving numerous phone calls from unknown people warning him of death.

“They are threatening me with dire consequences saying I would be fully responsible for what I have written,” said Mabatuk.

On March 5, The Standard on Saturday carried the story of a cry for justice by distraught residents of Kimoriot and Tuyobei Settlement Scheme in Mochongoi, Baringo County, who had been attacked by youths who wanted to evict them.

Mabatuk has however accused a Nakuru-based, vernacular station journalist whom he alleges to be leading the onslaught of the abusive and threatening messages.

“He has warned me to keep off land issues in Mochongoi,” he explained.

Nakuru OCPD Bernard Kioko said police will investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book.