In a stunning revelation that exposes the murky intersection of faith, power, and media integrity, TV47 investigative journalist Samira Mohammed has disclosed why her crew returned cash 'gifts' from the self-styled Prophet David Owuor.

The saga began in the wake of a gripping investigative documentary titled "Divine or Deceptive?", which probed the controversial healing claims of the Repentance and Holiness Ministry. Following a tense, ten-hour interview at the Prophet's palatial Nairobi residence—a session that stretched until 1:00 AM—the crew received unsolicited mobile money transfers of Sh20,000 each. The Prophet’s team framed the money as a "blessing" from the Lord, intended to appreciate the journalists for their time.

A Shield Against Compromise

Samira, however, saw the money not as a blessing, but as a muzzle. Speaking candidly after the documentary aired, she explained the calculated decision to hold onto the money for nine agonizing days before reversing it. "That money was meant to compromise the story so that we don't make it too harsh," she stated. "We know them very well. Had we not returned the money, we would be the talk of the town today."

The crew’s strategy was one of self-preservation and tactical silence. They feared that returning the money immediately might provoke the church into blocking the story or accusing the crew of soliciting a bribe. Instead, they waited until the exposé was locked, scheduled, and ready for broadcast. Only then, with the truth secured, did they send the money back.

Anatomy of a Set-Up

The incident shines a harsh light on the pressure journalists face when investigating powerful religious figures.

• The Tactic: Offering unsolicited cash to reporters is a classic technique used to create a conflict of interest or a blackmail leverage point.
• The Fear: "I think it was a set-up for us," Samira admitted. "Imagine if they can lie if we did the right thing, what can they do if we did something wrong?"
• The Outcome: By rejecting the money, the TV47 team inoculated themselves against accusations of bias or corruption, allowing their reporting on the alleged fake HIV/AIDS healings to stand on its own merits.

Samira’s disclosure is more than a behind-the-scenes anecdote; it is a testament to the fragile but vital line that separates journalism from public relations. In an era where "brown envelope" journalism remains a scourge, the decision to return the "prophet's reward" sends a powerful message: the truth is not for sale, no matter how divine the donor claims to be.