When the name 'David Omurunga' is mentioned among Nakuru journalists many remember it with the famous photo in the local dailies captioned 'Mwanahabari mashakani'.

This is the history behind that photo.

Well, the Nakuru based journalist reveals to Mtaa Wangu that the photo was taken by his colleague in the Media Industry during demonstrations at Egerton University.

David Omurunga (centre) photographed during protests in Egerton University.

Photo credit: COURTESY

This was in 2013 when Omurunga, while working for Nakuru based Radio Amani together with his fellow journalists had gone to cover the demonstrations that were as a result of a student's murder case.

It is a scenario that turned chaotic with security team using teargas canisters and rubber bullets.

This saw him injured on his right foot, in what he says he cannot tell what hit him up to date.

However, through assistance from his fellow journalists, the Swahili lover was treated at a medical facility.

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Omurunga’s journalism career started when he approached Mr.Okello, the Principal of Jogoo Commercial College an institution in Nakuru.

Though the institution was not offering Mass Communication, it was certified for exams from England and Omurunga was enrolled.

"I was enrolled with nine other students for a one year course in Newspaper, Media Law, Sub editing, Freelance and Feature Writing as well as Broadcasting, though with my little savings I only managed to do three units," he reveals.

Having had passion for human interest stories, Omurunga would in late 2011 approach Radio Amani where he became an intern.

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He points out that he was the first long serving intern that saw him elevated to be in charge of interns during his period as a volunteer during which he did several human interest stories.

It is here that he nurtured many upcoming journalists in Nakuru, majority of whom are now in local and international media houses while others are in the corporate world.

"Here, I learnt a lot practically because the radio had all the tools and equipment. I also served as a sub editor nurturing many who are now renown journalists," he says.

In 2019, Omurunga left Radio Amani joining Media Max's Milele FM.

He recently received the MARKUP EU award for his contribution in reporting on issues affecting communities in the areas of agriculture and environment.

The MARKUP EU award received by David Omurunga.

Photo credit: COURTESY

Omurunga aspires to have his own established community radio station which he says will go a long way in giving a voice to the young people of Bondeni who are always found on the wrong side of the law.

The family man, husband to one wife and father of two advices those upcoming journalists not to focus so much on the monetary value of journalism but rather focus on what they can do to transform society.

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"Tenda wema nenda zako. Do not focus so much on money when in this field. Humble yourself and you will go places," are his patting shot.

pmambili@gmail.com

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Pristone Mambili