COVID-19 has claimed another high-profile victim in Kenya's media landscape: Citizen TV's senior political reporter Stephen Letoo. The 17 July 2020 news comes as a shock to many, given Letoo's prominent role in covering the pandemic.
As a regular face at the Ministry of Health's daily COVID-19 press briefings, Letoo has been a key source of information for Kenyans. Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has even referred to him on a first-name basis.
Speaking to journalists, Letoo expressed his disappointment at contracting the disease, despite showing no symptoms. 'I did not have any signs and even now I don’t have any signs. I am fine and I have my appetite like before. You might even think that I am pretending,' he said.
Letoo's case highlights the risks faced by journalists who are often at the forefront of reporting on the pandemic. 'We are at the front line to get the story out there. We are too much exposed,' he noted.
As he undergoes treatment at home, Letoo has urged Kenyans to be more vigilant and take the threat posed by the disease seriously. 'I just ask Kenyans to be more careful. It is sad when you can’t trace where you got it from. I am doing well and I am under medication at home,' he said.
