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KBC owes Mzee Ojwang’ no money, says Matiang’i


The government says Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) does not owe any money to the cast of the long-running comedy show Vitimbi.

Communications Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i also said the government had not neglected the Vitimbi Group, maintaining that their contract with the State broadcaster had expired and that they had been paid all their dues.

“It’s time as Kenyans we began thinking about individual responsibilities that link us to the future’ the CS said. ‘Responsibilities must be shared between the individual and the government,” Matiangi said when he visited the ailing thespian at Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital in the company of KBC managing director, Waithaka Waihenya.

The accusations against the government and KBC came to the fore on Thursday after Vitimbi actor Mzee Ojwang’ (Benson Wanjau) was admitted in hospital with failing eye sight and depression.

KICKED OUT

However, Mzee Ojwang complained about the manner in which KBC kicked them out.

“We worked at KBC for 40 years and we got nothing in the end,” he said.

Lucy Wangui (the no-nonsense judge on Vioja Mahakamani) said since their services were discontinued abruptly, Mzee Ojwang’ has had problems feeding.

“He only takes uji (porridge) and… he keeps asking ‘you mean KBC can treat me like this?’” she added.

Mary Khavere, who plays the role of Mama Kayai in Vitimbi said:

“Not even a coin. Not even a notice to inform us of the discontinuation of our services was issued. They (KBC) just woke up one day and told us to take a walk.”

Deputy President William Ruto has since announced that the government would foot Mzee Ojwang’s medical bills.