Police chief threatens 'Nation' journalist

Sabina Kerubo

Chief Inspector of Police Sabina Kerubo when she appeared in a Siaya court on December 2, 2019 over the murder of journalist Eric Oloo. 

Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Chief Inspector of Police Sabina Kerubo accuses Dickens Wasonga of ruining her reputation in his reporting of Eric Oloo's murder.

A 'Nation' journalist has filed a report at Bondo Police Station about threats to his life by a senior police officer.

Siaya-based journalist Dickens Wasonga said that Sabina Kerubo, a chief inspector of police, who was implicated in the murder of Star journalist Eric Oloo, threatened him for allegedly “damaging her reputation”.

In a telephone call to Mr Wasonga, Ms Kerubo accused the reporter of failing to get her side of the story in connection with the killing of Oloo at her house in Ugunja, Siaya County.

“You should know that you have a wife and children and you will soon pay for whatever you did to me,” Ms Kerubo allegedly said in a telephone conversation that lasted for two minutes and 52 seconds.

“You did a one-sided story and failed to consult me ... You gave the wrong impression to the public and this has now cost me my job,” added Ms Kerubo during a call made on Wednesday at 11.09 am.

Ms Kerubo, who was freed after spending 14 days at Siaya Police Station over lack of evidence linking her to the crime, said the slain 40-year-old scribe, who cohabited with her, committed suicide.

“I am worried that the officer could use her links and harm me either directly or indirectly,” Mr Wasonga said shortly after reporting the incident to police.

Siaya Principal Magistrate James Ong'ondo ordered Kerubo's release, having earlier granted police their request for time to investigate her.

The ruling came after detectives withdrew the miscellaneous application against Ms Kerubo, saying they did not have proof.

They asked the court to close the file and told the magistrate that she would be a prosecution witness.

Ms Kerubo's daughter and house-help will also be treated as State witnesses.

FATAL BEATING

Ms Kerubo and Oloo had been living as husband and wife for about two years.

His body was found in the bedroom of her house in Uhor village on November 21.

Two brothers -- Victor Ogola Luta and Franklin Joel Luta -- allegedly beat the journalist to death at the officer's house.

It is still not clear what transpired before the two pulled Mr Oloo out of the house and seriously battered him.