Many of us know you as the “Running Cameraman”. Kindly tell us a bit about who Biwott is.
Biwott is a renowned cameraman from the remote village of Kapluk in Kerio Valley, Barwessa Ward, Baringo County. I grew up there in the 1990s, attended Kapluk Primary School, and later proceeded to Kapng’etuny High School in Uasin Gishu County for my secondary education.
Where and what did you study at university/college?
I attended the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC), where I enrolled in the Film Department and specialised in Film and Video Production (Camera option).
Favourite and least favourite unit while on campus?
Scriptwriting was my favourite. Fortunately, I did not have a worst unit; the lecturers at KIMC were all excellent.
Best and worst lecturer?
My best lecturer was Davies Kamau, who taught Camera Operations. I did not have a worst lecturer; in fact, I found all my lecturers inspiring.
Are you currently doing what you studied on campus?
Absolutely. I have been applying the knowledge and skills I acquired throughout my career.
How was campus life generally?
It was one of the best periods of my life. I often felt what I called “college sickness” whenever we broke for holidays. While my peers were eager to go home, I wished I could stay longer.
How did you make money while on campus?
After completing my first attachment at Montage Media Services, the then CEO, Brutus Sirucha, engaged me in camerawork assignments, through which I began earning. I even helped my parents pay my brother’s school fees.
How was your dating life during campus?
I did not date throughout college. I had been heartbroken by my first girlfriend and decided to focus entirely on my career.
What do you think of campus relationships?
I see them as a learning stage—much like metamorphosis. They prepare young people for future relationships, and some even lead to happy marriages.
Where did you spend your weekends or free time?
I had close friends, and we would often take walks around Nairobi. It helped me adjust, having come from the village and experiencing the city for the first time.
What did you do with your free time?
I practised camerawork and sound recording with friends, supported by our studio technician, Mr Wanyama, who trusted us with the equipment.
Classmates you will never forget?
The likes of Benard Koech, Acadious Akung’wi, Ronald Wangila (Mr Mass), Eric Mutai, Lydia Essendi, Jack Humphrey Mayaka, Nicholas Lusuli, and Irine Chep.
Talk to us about the moment you went viral after running after President William Ruto’s car at JKIA.
It was an assignment like any other, but particularly significant as the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga was expected at JKIA, and was to be received by President William Ruto. I positioned myself strategically to capture the motorcade. When I spotted a vehicle bearing the Coat of Arms instead of a number plate, I knew that only the President would travel in such a car. As I filmed, I noticed the President sitting in the front passenger seat with the window fully open. As the car moved slowly, I ran alongside it to secure a brief interview. I began sprinting alongside the car, but just as I caught up, it suddenly accelerated, forcing me into an intense chase. A clip of me sprinting went viral and trended throughout the week.
How did you handle the attention after the video trended?
At first, I had no idea. When I arrived at Kasarani Stadium and checked my phone, I noticed an influx of friend requests and messages. Peter Otieno, a KBC cameraman, informed me of the viral clip. I was overwhelmed with joy, responding to messages, comments, and tags late into the night. Colleagues and the public celebrated me, and that’s how I adopted the title “The Running Cameraman”, which has now become my brand.
How do you balance capturing impactful images while respecting people’s dignity and privacy?
Journalists must inform the public while exercising sensitivity. When covering grieving families, I maintain distance and use zoom to capture moments respectfully without intruding.
Can you walk us through a story that had a significant impact or challenged you?
I worked on a story with my former colleague Timothy Otieno, highlighting the challenges faced by people living with disabilities in informal settlements. The story, titled Access Denied, went on to win both the Governance Category and the overall Journalist of the Year award at the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) 2021.
Advice to aspiring journalists who want to create meaningful and impactful stories?
Only one word: passion. No matter how long it takes, consistent passion will eventually pay off.
One thing you would tell your campus self?
The hard work and determination were worth it.
