Asking uncomfortable questions is our job, get used to it

Last Sunday, Kenya’s new Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua gave an interview to NTV’s Ibrahim Karanja on the state of the nation, a week or so after the Kenya Kwanza coalition took over the reins of power.

Later that same day, the straight-talking DP also spoke to KTN News for a somewhat similar assessment.

In what is emerging as his signature style, the former Mathira MP, shot from the hip and undoubtedly, ruffled many feathers.

Predictably, the reactions, particularly on social media, were swift, varied and numerous, as the DP’s new moniker ‘Riggy G’ acquired new meme renditions, at every turn.

But perhaps more intriguing was the amount of labelling and vitriol directed at the journalists who had interviewed the DP.

The haranguing of these professionals was partly informed by the raw loyalty of some of the DP’s supporters, but more alarmingly, it seemed to emanate from a largely misguided understanding of the real job we do as journalists.

While a good number of the conversations revolved around the DP’s pronouncements, many of the responses seemed to suggest that the journalists should have avoided certain questions or asked them in a particular way because ‘Mr Gachagua is now the Deputy President of Kenya’.

Nothing could be more contrary to the mindset of a good journalist.

In fact, if anything, some of the most consequential political statements in the just concluded electioneering season, came out of uncomfortable questions.

Kenya Kwanza leaders for instance, would probably not have got the ‘enough is enough’ slogan, if President Ruto, who was then a presidential candidate, was not asked those inconvenient questions about corruption, during the Presidential Debate.

For the record, journalists have a brief to respect and be courteous to those in authority but it is not their job to deify, genuflect to or venerate political leaders.

This is because journalists are trained to see politicians for who they are – servants of the people, duty bearers.

Journalists, therefore, ask questions, not on their own behalf, but in the name of the people. They give voice to the voiceless and offer themselves as a bridge between the governed and those in power.

That is why good journalists are not afraid to ask inconvenient questions and ask them doggedly until there is an answer or it is abundantly clear that none will be forthcoming.

Indeed, the logic is simple – the more prominent the public official, the more uncomfortable the questions are likely to be, after all even the Good Book says, “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.”

Bob Woodward, one of the two American journalists who unearthed the infamous ‘Watergate Scandal’, captured the real essence of a journalist’s job in a TV interview, years after he and fellow pressman, Carl Bernstein, broke the earth-shattering story.

When asked why they had taken on such a risky story that eventually brought down United States’ 37th president, Richard Nixon, his answer was profound. “We simply wanted to find out what had happened,” he was quoted as saying in an interview with one of America’s TV networks, CBS.

Here was a complex investigation that implicated the president of the world’s most powerful nation and involved the deadly interplay of money and power, but Woodward, reduced it to a very basic journalistic motivation – finding out what happened!

Such is the primary description of a journalist’s job.

Journalists ask the uncomfortable questions for the old aunt in the village who has many things to say about politicians but will never reach any of them, they ask the inconvenient questions on behalf of the ‘mama mboga’ whose name has been on every politician’s lips these past few months but who would never make it past the numerous gates in parliament or the intimidating barricades around State House or that noisy uncle who is the champion of the ‘bottom -up’ economic model in family gatherings, but who will only ever hear the voice of the president or his deputy on radio, and will have no one to ask if the campaign promises are not fulfilled.

Of course, journalists like all human beings have their fair share of frailties and judgment lapses, and yes, they can be very annoying at times.

But it is all in a day’s work; asking uncomfortable questions to politicians whatever their rank, party or last name, comes with the territory – and so we must get used to it – or in Kenyan parlance ‘Zoea maswali hayo mapema’!

Joe Ageyo is the Editorial Director (Broadcasting) at Nation Media Group

AM Live

AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.

BNX

Business Redefined

Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.

Comedies

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Documentaries

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Entertainment

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Full Episodes

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Gumzo La Sato

Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.

Health Diary

Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.

Letter To My Younger Self

Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.

Mazao Talks

Mazao looks at agriculture and agribusiness

Nation Reports

Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.

One Health Lens Podcast

Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens

Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.

Podcasts

Podcasts

Primetime

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Speaking of GEN Z

Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.

Sport On

Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.

Tech-over

The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.

Thamani

Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.

The Politalk podcast

This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.

The Trend

A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.

The trend podcast

The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA

The Wicked Edition

The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience

Trending

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Twende

Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.

Unscripted

This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.

VIP Access

VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.

WADR

This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.

When death do us part

In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.

Your World

Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.