This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
On January 7, 2020, a Kenyan journalist reached out to embattled lawyer Miguna Miguna via WhatsApp, seeking an audio message to be relayed on radio stations.
However, Miguna's response was anything but what the journalist expected. In a viral screenshot of their conversation, Miguna retorted: "Mobilise! Stop sending messages. Organise! Thanks."
When the journalist identified himself as working for Royal Media Services, Miguna's response became even more blunt: "Be disciplined! Mobilise. Stop sending messages. Organise. Thanks. Viva."
For those unfamiliar, 'Viva' is an expression or cheer that means 'long live!'
But Miguna's blunt response was not an isolated incident. The self-declared general of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has a history of shutting down journalists and critics.
Just hours before his viral response, Miguna was removed from an Air France flight to Kenya, sparking a heated debate on social media.
Air France later apologized for the inconvenience caused to Miguna, citing compliance with international rules governing air transport.
