By Duncan Amon
Journalists must resist political labeling and prioritize accuracy over speed as Kenya heads toward the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Kisumu, the Kisumu Journalist Network’s chairman, Rushdie Oudia, warned that media houses were already being profiled along political lines. He called the trend dangerous and asked newsrooms to examine whether they were still watchdogs or drifting into partisanship.
“The Constitution guarantees media freedom, but with that freedom comes responsibility,” Oudia said. “We must remain impartial, ethical, and grounded in truth.”
This year’s global theme is “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security.” Oudia said the theme is a call to action, noting that ethical journalism underpins peace and democracy.
He spoke as conflicts persist in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, and as parts of Northern Kenya continue to face insecurity. In that context, he said, the media must report responsibly.
“Accuracy and sensitivity are not optional. They are our duty,” he said.
Pressure at county level
Oudia said journalism at the county level remains under pressure from poor pay, job insecurity, commercial interference, and intimidation. Limited access to information and rapid technological shifts have added to the strain.
He cautioned that the election period will flood public spaces with misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda.
“Let us resist the pressure to be first at the expense of being right,” he said. “Better late and accurate than fast and wrong. Every story we publish must inform, not inflame.”
Solution journalism and action
Oudia urged reporters to go beyond highlighting problems and embrace Solution Journalism, or SOJO, to show answers and inspire change.
To mark the day, Kisumu journalists planted trees and donated blood at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“We are often first at scenes of tragedy,” Oudia said. “Today, we choose to also be part of saving lives.”
Warning on 2027
He said early political events are already showing worrying trends, including armed youth, tension, and disorder. He called on politicians to preach peace and urged security agencies to act professionally and remain neutral.
“Journalist safety is not guaranteed,” he said. “We must stand together, look out for each other, and prioritize our welfare. Because if we don’t, no one else will.”
Oudia closed by saying the future demands journalists who are custodians of democracy.
“A free press is not a threat to peace,” he said. “It is a precondition for it.”
World Press Freedom Day is marked globally on May 3 to defend media independence and honor journalists killed in the line of duty.
