After anonymous individuals leaked the phone numbers of several Citizen TV news anchors online, Kenyans responded unexpectedly by showering them with love.
The leaks were part of a larger trend, where the phone numbers of nearly every Kenyan leader, including the President, were shared online. Consequently, Kenyans were encouraged to contact them in a playful campaign called ‘Salimia yeye’.
However, these ‘greetings’ were not friendly. Kenyans used them to vent their anger and warn the recipients of the repercussions.
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As online attacks on Kenyan media grew, some people leaked the phone numbers of top Citizen TV anchors and reporters, including Yvonne Okwara, Linus Kaikai, and Mashirima Kapombe. As a result, they hoped Kenyans would send them insults and threats.
Instead, most people who got the contacts took the opportunity to praise the news anchors, thank them for their work, and encourage them to keep going despite the negativity.
Journalist Mashirima Kapombe shared her reaction to the surprising support she received from Gen Z. Moreover, she expressed her gratitude for their encouragement.
“Thank you for all the kind and warm messages. You all give me hope that Kenya will triumph and we are better together, known and unknown, rich or poor, Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X. God bless you and our great country.” Said Mashirima.
A message from one of the Gen-Z supporters to Mashirima read: “We, the Gen-Zs, alongside Millennials and Patriotic Kenyans, love you, Mashirima, for the Lord’s work you’re doing. Together with you, we shall overcome the rogue regime in the long run. God bless you.”
Linus Kaikai Thanks, supporters, for encouraging messages.
Kaikai also got many encouraging messages and thanked everyone in response.
“THANK YOU, fellow Kenyans. I am overwhelmed by your countless messages of kindness, love, and encouragement. This was definitely not the intended outcome of the ‘brief’. You’re all Awesome. Let’s keep loving and serving Kenya,” said Linus.
One message sent to Kaikai praised him for doing a great job. However, it was likely shared by government-sponsored goons.
“Dear Linus, your number is circulating online, probably shared by government-sponsored goons, but know this, brother, you and your team are doing a good job.”
“When your performance is above their mediocrity and hooliganism, no amount of propaganda will ever make us hate you or harm you. Continue keeping these thugs in their rightful corner. You’re an inspiration to all of us, young or old.” The message read in part
Yvonne Okwara’s appreciation message.
Okwara also took to social media to express her appreciation for the supportive messages she received.
“What a day! Absolute pleasure hearing from you all today. Shukran sana kwa salamu! Not to mention the hundreds of calls! Ahsante sana!” she shared.
The message sent to Yvonne highlighted the impact of her work. Additionally, it gave people a chance to show their appreciation and support for her efforts.
“Hello Yvonne. Your number has been exposed, but it is an opportunity for people like us that treasure and dearly love your craft. Thank you very much for your great effort in demanding accountability from the leaders,” read the message.