Investigative Journalist John Allan Namu is the first winner of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) Award.
ICFJ awarded the journalist for his investigative works that have exposed corruption, human rights abuses, police brutality, and more.
John Allan has been on the front lines of Kenyan journalism for two decades. He received the award on Friday, November 15, 2024.
The co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the African Uncensored is revolutionizing the media landscape in Kenya. He leads a team dedicated to exposing corruption, human abuse, police brutality, and femicide among other cases in the country.
The former KTN journalist's investigative works have made significant waves in the country.
His most recent work, "Fertile Deception" exposed the widespread circulation of counterfeit government fertilizer across the country.
In 2023 his reports exposed how corruption and misgovernance allowed cartels to control essential services in Kenya’s slums. With faulty electricity and water connections, homes become death traps.
In his acceptance speech, the journalist accredited his success to his exemplary storytelling to his grandfather and mother, who, he revealed taught him the art of storytelling from a young age.
"Even my words and style are not entirely my own; I learned how to tell stories from my grandfather and his daughter, my mother, who taught me how to write my first words and told me spellbinding stories," Namu said.
The journalist was speaking at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC, at the ICFJ Tribute to Journalists 2024 on Friday.
Through his award, Namu has celebrated other journalists who he says have played a part in his success.
"The award I am receiving celebrates journalists who, despite difficult circumstances, produce pioneering work that makes a significant impact in their countries.
"I am deeply grateful that my body of work and contributions should be described in such glowing terms. I hope that my work and the work of Africa Uncensored continue to live up to this description," he continued.
Namu challenged Kenyan journalists to continue telling stories, saying that these stories shine the light on some of the darkest parts of our society.
Especially at this time when the Kenyan youth is saddled with debt that they didn’t take on, worn down by corruption, and struggling to make sense of killings and abductions in the wake of nationwide protests.