Mike Sonko Makes Plea As He Steps In To Help Ex-NTV Journalist Nasibo Kabale

Former Nairobi Governor, Mike Mbuvi Sonko on Saturday, September 14 became the latest popular personality to join efforts in helping former Nation Media Group (NMG) health journalist Nasibo Kabale get back on her feet once again.

With her story of living on the streets going viral since the evening of September 12, many Kenyans offered to help her regain her footing, with Sonko revealing that he had to respond to her situation after his followers had alerted him on the same.

The former county boss had reiterated that he was already in touch with Nasibo’s mother and the reporter’s former colleagues, adding that necessary action had already been taken.

As of now, the scribe who was known for her impactful reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic and had been a health journalist for more than five years has been reportedly admitted to the Mombasa Women Rehabilitation Centre.

Former Nairobi Governor, Mike Sonko. /FILE

"Just seen many of you have tagged me on this story of former NTV reporter Nasibo Kabale. I have been in touch with her mother, and her former colleagues in the media, among others.

"Necessary action has already been taken. She's currently admitted at the Mombasa Women Rehabilitation Centre," he stated in part on X.

The politician went ahead to commend Nasibo's former colleagues for their swift action in aiding her, hours after the 12-minute clip of Nasibo's tale went viral.

Sonko however pleaded with Kenyans to exercise sensitivity towards the matter and desist from publicising Nasibo's situation.

"It's good to respect Kabale's family because they have said they don't want any kind of publicity at this time, they have played their important role through her brother, and as usual, I have also chipped in.

"I also wish to thank all her friends in the media sector for standing in solidarity with her during this difficult time. I wish her a speedy recovery. Also, my special compliments and appreciation to the entire Management of the Mombasa Women Rehabilitation Centre for the good work," Sonko appreciated.

Sonko's intervention came a day after comedian Eric Omondi paid a visit to Nasibo's mother's home to inquire about her situation, adding that the former health reporter had already been evacuated from the streets and received the necessary help.

Nasibo, 26, was one of the frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the media sector and was at the forefront of updating Kenyans daily on the goings on nationally and globally. It was at a time when social distancing, sanitising, washing of hands and the wearing of face masks became part of humanity.

She had explained that this new way of doing things exacerbated her condition and strained her relationship with her daughter who now stays with the father.

She revealed that she had not been able to get the help that she desired partly because people don’t understand that depression is a real disease. However, an insider at NMG who reached out to Viral Tea clarified that the regional media house had offered a lot of support and counselling.

Nasibo expressed that she would like to get back to what she does best but not on TV – podcasting and vlogging– if she gets the equipment. “I used to be a writer but the media is changing, people don’t even buy newspapers anymore so I would like to do something along with the podcast area,” she revealed, adding that she already has a ring light and all she needs now is a good phone and microphone to get back into doing what she loves.