By Eddah Waithaka
National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has partnered with the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) to address the urgent need for constructive dialogue amidst the country’s ongoing political challenges, particularly in light of recent tensions and the possible impeachment of the Deputy President.
Underscoring the urgency of the partnership, Rosalia Omungo, CEO of the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), urged the media to play a pivotal role in promoting political decency and uniting Kenyans.
She called on journalists to engage in awareness-raising activities that prioritize respectful discourse and discourage the hate speech and tribal politics that have increasingly marred Kenya’s political landscape.
“The media has a unique power to shape narratives,” Omungo said. “It is crucial for journalists to highlight messages that unite rather than divide, especially in these challenging times.”
Dr. Danvas Makori, an NCIC commissioner, explained the importance of the Transgenerational Conversations framework. He likened Kenya to a house shared by different generations, each with different experiences and perspectives.
The older generation, he said, embodies wisdom and historical context, while the youth bring energy and innovative ideas. However, he acknowledged that misunderstandings between these groups often lead to mistrust and social division.
“Too often, we see blame games and a disconnect that hinders collaboration,” Makori noted. “The Transgenerational Conversations Framework aims to create a space for open, respectful dialogue where we can bridge these gaps.”
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He emphasized that the framework is not about one generation dominating another, but about fostering genuine communication that values the unique contributions of each generation.
“When we listen to each other, we tap into a powerful collective that can drive positive change,” he added.
At a crucial moment in Kenya’s political landscape, marked by ongoing debates over the possible impeachment of the Deputy President, there is an urgent need for dialogue.
The NCIC is steadfast in its commitment to monitor these unfolding events in order to prevent ethnic clashes and maintain national unity.
The Commission encourages confidence in existing institutions and appeals to all Kenyan citizens to avoid behaviors that may exacerbate tensions.
In a similar vein, Samuel Kobia, the Chair of the NCIC, reaffirmed the media’s critical role in the current scenario. He urged the media to furnish trustworthy information amid these tumultuous periods, stressing the significance of depending on authoritative sources to prevent the escalation of misinformation that could further complicate matters.
“The media must serve as a trustworthy source of information, particularly when political tensions are high,” Kobia remarked. “We are here to support the media in this role.”
Emphasizing similar views, Martin Mutua, an editor and KEG member, underscored the critical importance of credible information from entities such as the NCIC to avert turmoil in the nation.
“In maneuvering through these challenging circumstances, it is essential for the NCIC to intervene and offer transparency regarding the state of affairs,” he stressed.
The collaboration between NCIC and KEG highlights the pivotal significance of media in advancing political integrity and responsibility. In the midst of pressing challenges in Kenya, the imperative for meaningful discourse and reliable information could not be more crucial. The unity of the nation hinges on closing generational gaps and cultivating cooperation among all members of the Kenyan community.
