Deputy Government Spokesperson says the media should hold leaders accountable without becoming a platform for political interests, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to press freedom.
MOMBASA, Kenya — Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga has challenged journalists to uphold professionalism and editorial independence, cautioning against becoming entangled in political contests while reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting press freedom.
Speaking during the launch of the Media and Communication Awards in Mombasa—an initiative by the Mombasa Press Club and Gilitics Media, aimed at recognising outstanding journalists from Kenya’s Coast region—Chidzuga said the media has a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, hold leaders accountable and report without fear or favour.
However, she warned that journalists must distinguish between scrutinising those in power and becoming participants in political rivalries.
“As journalists, our responsibility is to inform the public without fear or favour and demand accountability. But we must be careful not to fight battles that do not belong to us. We are not politicians, and we should never allow ourselves to be used or misused to settle political scores,” Chidzuga said.
A veteran broadcaster before joining government, Chidzuga said editorial independence remains one of the profession’s greatest strengths and urged media practitioners to protect the credibility of journalism by remaining objective, fair and guided by the public interest.
She maintained that robust criticism of government is a legitimate and necessary function of the press, provided it is anchored in facts and professional ethics.
“Criticising the government is not a problem. That is part of the media’s watchdog role. The challenge comes when journalism shifts from holding power accountable to fighting political battles. That is a line we must guard carefully,” she said.
Chidzuga also assured journalists that the Kenya Kwanza administration remains committed to respecting media freedom and creating an environment where journalists can carry out their work without interference.
“This government recognises the important role of the media in our democracy. We will continue supporting journalists and respecting press freedom because an informed public is essential for national development,” she added.
Her remarks come at a time when relations between sections of the government and parts of the media have attracted increased public attention following recent exchanges between President William Ruto and the Standard Group.
The President recently questioned what he described as persistent negative coverage by the media house and made remarks referencing its management and operations, prompting renewed debate among journalists, politicians and civil society over media freedom, editorial independence and the role of the press in a democratic society.
The discussion has also highlighted broader challenges confronting Kenya’s media industry, including declining advertising revenue, financial pressures and the rapid transition to digital platforms, factors that have affected newsroom operations across several media organisations.
Before joining government, Chidzuga built a distinguished career in broadcast journalism spanning more than two decades. She served as a news anchor at KTN before later working at K24 TV and becoming one of the pioneer broadcasters at TV47. In 2024, she was appointed Deputy Government Spokesperson, serving alongside Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura.
The Media and Communication Awards, which were launched during the event, seek to recognise excellence in journalism across the Coast region while promoting ethical reporting, professional standards and innovation in the media industry.
As debate over the relationship between political leadership and the press continues, Chidzuga’s remarks have added another perspective to the ongoing national conversation on how journalists can uphold their watchdog role while preserving public trust through fairness, independence and professional integrity.
