DATE: November 2, 2026 | KAKUMA, RIFT VALLEY, KENYA | By : East African Report Investigative Desk
KAKUMA, KENYA
Speaking from an undisclosed location inside Kakuma Refugee Camp, a journalist who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal has broken 17 days of silence, warning that he may be the next target in a string of threats against media workers in the region.
“I speak while alive, because tomorrow I may not have a voice,” he told the East African Report in an exclusive interview conducted via encrypted message. “Yireke batarara bawuciye — let it be said before they cut me, like they cut Robert.”
The journalist, who has reported on insecurity and governance along the Rift Valley since 2022, said he has received repeated death threats following the killing of broadcaster Robert Kabera in Mpigi last month.
WHO IS ROBERT KABERA?
Robert Kabera, 43, former RDF Sergeant Major and YouTuber known as Sgt Robert, was found headless in a swamp in Luwala village, Nkozi Sub-county, Mpigi District on October 17, 2026.
– Oct 17, 7:15 AM: Farmers found body in eucalyptus plantation
– Oct 17, 1:40 PM: Mpigi Police arrived — 6 hours later
– Oct 18: Body taken to Gombe Hospital, then Wandegeya forensic lab, Kampala
– Oct 20: Police say 7 witnesses questioned, no arrest
– Day 11 to Day 15: Head still missing, Wandegeya lab report promised in 72 hours still not released
– Day 17 (Today, Nov 2): No suspects, police silent, family loses hope
Forensic experts told East African Report that taking the head serves 3 purposes: concealing identity, hiding cause of death, and intimidation.
“Decapitation is the oldest way to delay identification,” one expert said. “Without a head, you cannot use facial recognition. That tells you killers wanted to buy time.”
Exclusive Testimony from Rift Valley — Another Voice Under Threat After Mpigi Murder
KAKUMA JOURNALIST: “NDIHO Kandi , NDAVUGA”
In his testimony while alive, the Kakuma journalist said:
“Ndi impunzi muri Kakuma. Nakiriye threats nyuma yo gutangaza inkuru ya Robert Kabera na Moyale border crisis (50,000 refugees). Niba hari ikimbaho nk’icya Robert — ntabwo ari accident. Nshakisha ukuri. Ntabwo ndi umwanzi w’igihugu icyo ari cyo cyose. Ndi umunyamakuru. Sinzaceceka.”
He said threats were delivered through anonymous calls and messages, mirroring those received by Kabera in the weeks before he was killed on October 15.
Security sources have confirmed a surge in intimidation against journalists covering cross-border violence and displacement in the region.
PATTERN OF INTIMIDATION:
– Oct 15, 2026 — Robert Kabera, radio presenter in Mpigi, killed after reporting on local militia activity.
– Oct 22, 2026 — Two reporters in Eldoret detained briefly, equipment confiscated.
– Nov 1, 2026 — Press freedom groups issue urgent alert to Kenyan authorities.
CALL FOR PROTECTION:
Human Rights Watch on Oct 24 called for “impartial and transparent investigation” into Kabera’s murder, noting a pattern of attacks on Rwandan exiles in Uganda and South Africa. The organization had previously listed Kabera in its 2023 report “Join Us or Die” as being on a death list.
The Kakuma journalist now asks UNHCR Protection, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Reporters Without Borders for urgent protection.
“If they kill me, let it be known I died telling the truth,” he said. “Protection Alert: Journalist at Risk.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an ongoing investigation. Names withheld for safety. If you have information about threats to journalists in Kakuma or about Robert Kabera case, contact: info@eastafricanreport.com & eastafricanreport@gmail.com — encrypted. East African Report will not reveal sources.
READ MORE:
– Day 15: Head Still Missing, Police Silent, Family Loses Hope – Robert Kabera Murder Investigation Stalls
– Top 50 Independent Media in the World 2026: Who Really Holds Power to Account?
– Moyale Border Crisis: 50,000 Refugees and Counting
