RADIO JOURNALIST PUNISHED FOR READING NEWS IN CLASS

There are many reasons for punishments in school. Missing classes because of looking after cattle is common with the Maasai.  However, what Benson Wuapari, a journalist and an author has not come into terms with is how reading news in class was an offence.

No, he wasn’t noisy, a thief or a trouble maker as many of us were but simply loved his talent. It is this love that is a blessing and was a curse then. 

Born in 1984, In Olalui Kilgoris-Transmara Narok county, Wuapari has not only grown to be a refined journalist but also part of the few authors in the media industry in kenya.

The Maasai moran got a beating from his teacher in class 3 for no other reason but competing with a friend in reading a Taifa leo news paper- emulating news anchors during a free lesson.

The mimic was so good. Their teacher thought there was a radio in class.When he entered the very classroom, he asked for students having a radio to give it to him. It was against the school rules to have a radio in class. The pupils in betrayal pointed at the two.

Benson and his friend were puzzled and didn’t know what to do for they had no radio, perhaps they were the radios. As a result what was to become part of Media Max crew and an author was beaten thoroughly. As he puts it the pain was a catalyst to his career.  The wake forest university of South Africa graduate has had a tremendous journey in the media industry.

“I got my first job at radio injili kericho, it reaches the great Rift valley, Nyanza and Western, and got it through an interview and did it for 7 years. Then I moved to Radio Maa, Royal Media Services and finally poached by Media Max.”

Benson Wuapari

Apart from being a Maa radio personality Benson prides himself in being fluent in swahili. Something he says is an advantage.

It’s a good feeling, it sweet speaking in your native dialect. I take it as giving back to my community and having confident in kiswahili is an added advantage in this ever increasing competitive field.

While not in studio Benson is on a mission to be a role model. Something he says inspires the youth and gives them a sense about life especially in regard to their careers. 

“I was inspired into the media industry by citizen TV’s Julie Gishuru, Shisia Wasilwa and Okwara Ndumbi wesonga, their talent is exceptional and I always looked up to them. Just like it was back then I know many young talents look up to those in the field. That is why I offer myself as a possible choice.”

In order to be a role model Wuapari used to be a part time lecturer in Kericho School of professional studies but now he concentrates on naturing young talents in his college queens college in kilgoris. This he does through inspirational talks.

As an author his literary work, a book titled “Journalism and Mass Communication” is by far a must read to all journalist in the continent.

“It’s a home grown journalism book that inspires African journalist and more so kenyan journalist. It is about what they pass thorough in their day to day work and in an African culture,” he says.

The book which took him more than a year to complete,  also gives a guide to journalist covering politics in an ever changing environment and on how to keep the African culture.

When asked what word of advice he had for the young generation, Benson points out they should be patient in whatever they are doing.

“Being patient is paramount as they seek their passion and include God in their endeavors, finally they should never give up whatsoever.” He concludes.