Before you call us ‘Githeri’ Media, chew over this
In the hysteria that typically characterises election victories, many social media users have over the last several weeks mounted a sustained, vicious hate campaign against the Kenyan media.
The mob lynching has largely come in the form of unhinged gloating but, worryingly, some of it has even gone as far as suggesting that conventional media, is an unwelcome, nay, unnecessary nuisance in today’s Kenya.
Of course, the media as an institution that operates in the name of the people, is not beyond scrutiny. In fact, no other institution lends itself to continual critique than this ubiquitous entity that is befittingly referred to as the fourth estate.
But what we have seen in the last few weeks, is not a civilised critique. Instead, it is a continuation of what appears to be concerted campaign to delegitimise the media and make it inconsequential in the public space.
The lynch mobs allege that the media was not impartial in the just-concluded General Election, that the media did not just fail to accord all the candidates an equal opportunity to sell their agenda, but actively tried to sabotage the campaign of Dr William Ruto, who has since been sworn in as president.
These are serious charges that cannot be bandied about without any empirical evidence.
The most quoted source for these assertions appears to be a survey published by the Media Council of Kenya a few weeks to the election, that suggested a skewed overall coverage in favour of Raila Odinga at one point, but a similar study a few weeks later, indicated that the trend had in fact been reversed.
In any case, that survey largely focused on the quantity of the coverage rather than its content, and every communication scholar knows that the amount of coverage is often not necessarily a measure of good or bad coverage. But that is not the point of this article.
First, it is fair to say that an election is often a critical pitstop in our democratisation journey and at the end, all the institutions involved in it must engage in constructive self-reflection. The media, just like the IEBC, the Supreme Court, the Police, the government, the voters – everyone – must take stock and craft corrective measures for future elections.
Indeed, for the media, a sharp critique is always a natural sequel to every election. In 2002, for instance, the industry was accused of being too cosy with the Narc campaign and the resulting administration.
In fact, most of the coverage was so positive even the election, that everyone appeared shocked when the Nation exposed the Anglo Leasing scandal two years after the new government had come to power.
In 2007, the media was yet again accused, this time of allegedly stoking the flames of the mayhem that engulfed the country on the back of the disputed presidential election.
So pointed were the claims that one journalist was on the list of six suspects who were dragged to the dock at International Criminal Court over the violence. In the following election in 2013, the media was in the dock of public opinion, for what was termed as being too soft on the electoral commission and other state agencies and allegedly abetting electoral malpractices.
What is shockingly different in the latest barrage of criticisms, however, is the sheer denigration of the entire institution of the media. It is the profiling and vilification of individual journalists and the bastardisation of the noble work done by diligent professionals under extremely difficult circumstances.
Of course, the triumphalism is perhaps understandable given the high stakes that came with this election and the many obstacles the president and his supporters had to overcome to secure the electoral victory.
But the new government and Kenyans in general, must never forget the place of the media as an inescapable ingredient of a democratising and developing society.
The media is the only industry that is singled out and expressly protected by the constitution. This is because all other rights find their true meaning in the simple act of being able to express oneself. The media thus does not exist just for election times.
The media is a source of information for farmers seeking new market opportunities for their produce. The media in its diversity, is the first port of call for a rural parent seeking to know the fate of CBC or a Cabinet Secretary tasked with communicating the latest government policy on a new vaccine.
Indeed, even the new president will rely on media to keep the country updated on the raft of measures he is seeking to unveil in the coming weeks and months.
We can therefore choose to call it Githeri media because we are on social media and can type away all day long, but out there, the good old radio is still king, out there, people still watch TV in their homes and in shopping centres.
And out there, people still depend on mainstream media for some of the most basic decisions that make life worth living.
That is why like the French philosopher, Voltaire, we must say of the media “I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
And by the way, quite a number of my ‘hustler’ friends love Githeri very much – I am just saying!
Joe Ageyo is the Editorial Director (Broadcasting) at Nation Media Group
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
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
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
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
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
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.
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.
Noma
NOMA is a gripping family drama that delves into the complexities of sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and the struggle for identity within a powerful business family In the heart of Nairobi, the Mwamba family stands as a beacon of success, with a thriving business empire built by the patriarch, MZEE AMAON MWAMBA. However, beneath the surface, the family is fractured by jealousy, unspoken desires, and the weight of expectations.
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.
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.