Sports reporter Milton Nyakundi quits KBC as court writer redeployed

NAIROBI, Jan. Wed. 1, 2012 – The fallout from the strike threat at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation began to claim victims when sports journalist Milton Nyakundi resigned today.

Mr Nyakundi, who has been at KBC for quite some time, had been transferred to Kisumu as the company attempted to stem simmering dissent that has plagued the country’s state broadcaster since November last year. The company’s employees have issued a strike notice beginning February 23, this year, to protest meager salaries and poor working conditions.

“Milton came today and handed in his resignation,” said a source familiar with KBC affairs. “He has been on leave and I think he was waiting for his salary to come in first before quitting.” Mr Nyakundi’s woes started soon after a group of employees petitioned KBC management to improve their terms or face industrial action.

He is said to have been vocal in pressing for change and many believe his resignation is out of fear of further victimisation and possible marginalisation. Meanwhile, a veteran court reporter with the station, Mr Vincent Lempaa, has been kicked out of the corridors of justice and redeployed to the general news desk.

Sources say Mr Lempaa is also a victim of intimidation at KBC as it cracks down on those on the frontline of agitating for better working terms. “It’s obvious someone wants him out or to monitor his activities,” said our source. “I saw him today reading a newspaper at his desk and he didn’t look happy at all. He didn’t want to look people in the eyes. He seemed to be thinking about his next move.”

Mr Lempaa is a qualified lawyer and media analysts are scratching their heads to understand the rationale behind the move. But it is worth noting that using his legal skills, Mr Lempaa helped draft the now famous memorandum that was presented to the management, outlining the problems staff face at KBC and solutions.

Mr Nyakundi, for his part, chaired a sub-committee that wrote recommendations to the management on how to make KBC the most competitive station in Kenya. “They wanted to make KBC among the best. They wanted to ensure that KBC can fight with NTV and KTN on the same level. That is the reason why Lempaa and Nyakundi went overdrive to fight for the dignity of the station that pays for them.”

“The reason why he was redeployed is because he was believed to be the head of the rebels in KBC,” the source explained. Mr Nyakundi and Lempaa and three others were in the frontline demanding for reforms in KBC.

In a widely circulated memo, they demanded for a 500 per cent salary increase and several other reforms in the media. “KBC is now plotting to redeploy all those people who are seen as rebels,” a source said. “It is designed to instill fear among the remaining staff.”