'Umbwa wewe! You will die like Eric Oloo died,' Police officer threatens Nation journalist

Piece by: Grace Kerongo
Lifestyle

A newspaper reporter based in Siaya County has expressed fears about his life after he allegedly received threats from a senior police officer who is a state witness in a murder case.

Mr Dickens Wasonga, the Nation correspondent, said the officer, who identified herself as Sabina Kerubo called him on Wednesday and issued threats over articles he published on the death of Eric Oloo, who until his death, was a Star newspaper reporter.

Speaking to the press after reporting the matter at Bondo police station under OB No.28/25/12/19, Mr Wasonga said that the officer called claiming that the articles published defamed her.

"She called me at around 3pm and warned that I will die the same way my colleague (Oloo) died," said Wesonga.

Oloo’s blood soaked body was found in Chief Inspector of police Kerubo’s bedroom in Ugunja town on the morning of November 21.

Five people including Kerubo were immediately taken into custody but two suspects, among them Ms Kerubo’s daughter and househelp, were later released.

According to neighbours, Kerubo and Oloo had been living together for more than a year.

The autopsy conducted at Sega Funeral Home by government pathologist Gabriel Juma, revealed that the journalist died from excessive bleeding.

The 41-year-old scribe was later buried on November 30 at his ancestral home in Ugunja sub-county.

Ms Kerubo, who is now a State witness following a directive by Siaya Principal Magistrate James On’gondo, warned Mr Wasonga of dire consequences.

“Mimi ni yule mwenye ulikuwa ukichora kwa gazeti (I sm the one you published her story in the newspaper). Whatever you did to me you will pay for it,” said Ms Kerubo in a recorded phone call.

According to the audio recording accessed by press, the officer claimed that the late Oloo banged his head on the wall, leading to his death.

"You created an impression that I killed the journalist. You are very useless. Mbwa wewe (you're a dog)," she hurled insults at Mr Wasonga.

Mr Wasonga however told her to seek legal redress in case the stories offended her.

Bondo sub-county police commander Mr Anthony Wafula confirmed that the report was made at the station and that they are following up the matter.

KNA by Brian Ondeng