Renowned investigative journalist Brian Obuya has revealed that he once turned down a Ksh8 million bribe from a government official, a decision that left his cameraperson outraged.
Sharing the story on his 30th birthday, Obuya recounted how the bribe was casually offered at a kibandaski (local eatery), but he chose integrity over money.
“As I turn 30, I reflect on the challenges I’ve faced. One of them was saying no to Ksh8 million offered by a government official in a kibandaski,” Obuya stated. “My cameraperson was livid.”
Beyond professional pressures, Obuya also addressed bizarre allegations linking him to a married woman. He dismissed the rumors, stating that he was at home in his Mirema apartment when the false claims began spreading. “One day, I’ll tell you the full story,” he teased.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Obuya is best known for his fearless investigative work, including a controversial exposé on extremism within the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) church. However, his career has been turbulent. In June 2024, he was laid off from Nation Media Group during a mass downsizing—just months after leaving KTN, where he specialized in investigative reporting.
Reflecting on his career, Obuya revealed that he has faced job insecurity since his start in journalism at 19. “I’ve been fired or nearly fired every year since I entered the media industry,” he shared.
Despite the setbacks, he remains optimistic. “Three decades of chasing dreams, breaking barriers, and making memories. Here’s to bigger wins, louder laughs, and softer landings,” he said, celebrating his birthday.
Looking Ahead
After his exit from mainstream media, Obuya shifted focus to documenting the stories of former journalists who once dominated Kenya’s media industry. While many of his peers have moved away from journalism, he has plans for a return.
“You’ll see me on TV or radio soon—I’m not done yet,” he declared. “After taking a break, I challenged myself to start something new in September (2024), inspired by the journalists whose stories changed history.”
Determined to spotlight these forgotten media figures, Obuya believes their contributions deserve recognition. “No one has told their stories, but I think it’s time,” he concluded.
