Governor William Kabogo's bodyguards threaten journalist

Kiambu Governor William Kabogo

Kiambu Governor William Kabogo's bodyguards have been accused of threatening a journalist in Thika last week.

Kameme FM's Rose Mwangi claimed the governor's security men approached her and her colleagues, at Thika Stadium where Kabogo was disbursing Biashara Fund cash to women groups, and ordered them to leave "because they are traitors".

"We were recording the governor's speech when they approached us and said we should leave. They accused us of writing negative stories about him. One of them then pointed at me saying: "Tutawamaliza kabla mtumalize. Mnataka kutuharibia? (We'll finish you before you finish us. You only want to spoil things)," Ms Mwangi said.

The journalist recorded a statement at the Thika Police Station and the matter was booked as OB No 55/16/06/2016. She wants Kabogo to take action against the said bodyguard. Thika DCIO Raphael Wawire promised to ensure justice is done.

"I no longer feel safe. I am living in constant fear after he threatened me with dire consequences. I hope investigations will be carried out and appropriate action taken," Mwangi said.

A county government official who declined to be named said the governor's handlers are unhappy with the media over alleged negative publicity.

Some top county officials are particularly unhappy over the recent story where the governor was quoted as saying Deputy President William Ruto should not expect automatic support from Mt Kenya region when he seeks the presidency in 2022.