John Allan Namu: Top Journalists Hid to Avoid Reading Forced Election Statements

An over-the-shoulder shot of investigative journalist John-Allan Namu conducting an interview.
An over-the-shoulder shot of investigative journalist John-Allan Namu conducting an interview.
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John-Allan Namu

Veteran investigative journalist John-Allan Namu on Thursday, March 9, spoke on the objectivity of the Kenyan media amid uproar over a clamour pushing for its crackdown. 

The African Uncensored Chief Executive Officer acknowledged the presence of some rogue elements whose actions, he claimed, undermine the independence of media houses.

According to the former KTN investigative journalist, the 2022 General Election offered Kenyan media an opportunity to build trust among Kenyans, but some ended up aligning themselves politically. 

Namu asserted that he was privy to instances where some senior editors clashed with media owners after they were pressured to manipulate news for political expediency. 

Undated Photo of Investigative Journalist John Allan Namu
Undated Photo of Investigative Journalist John Allan Namu
Standard Digital

He mentioned a case where editorial staff in one of the media stations in Kenya were forced into hiding following attempts by the management to coerce them into reading a "statement that their boss wanted published".

Were it not for the absolute courage of a few editors who refused to go through with this plan, then a deliberately misleading piece of fake news would have been published and further dented an already flawed process," he recalled. 

He further alluded that there was a plot to have a fake press statement signed and pushed by major media houses in Kenya. 

"These courageous acts consigned a press statement issued by some to fake news whereas it actually was authored, with ex-co officials from other media houses refusing to sign on," he added. 

In his message on judging the media's credibility, Namu emphasised that a section of media players have consistently been resolute in abiding by the principles of journalism. 

He noted that the generalisation of the entire media fraternity would work to undermine the efforts of journalists who endeavour to be factual and independent in reporting. 

Namu's remarks came days after the majority leader in the Senate, Aaron Cheruyoit, urged the government to censure cartels in Kenya's media.

His remarks elicited mixed reactions, with critics and supporters from various quarters differing on Cheruyoit's stance. 

"If crushing things is a government policy, then there is surely no shortage of things to crush like the high cost of living, high fuel prices, the price of unga, the free fall of the shilling.

"That would be a good place to start,” NTV anchor, Smriti Vidyarthi, hit back at the senator during the 9:00 pm bulletin on Monday, March 6.

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot address the press in Parliament
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot addressing Parliament
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Aaron Cheruiyot