Journalists have been accused of fueling conflicts in the past. This is an issue that came to light, especially during the 2007/08 post-election violence.
Even during the recent Gen Z protests, some stakeholders pointed the finger at the journalists, accusing them of encouraging the youths to continue protesting through their coverage.
But while there might be some truths about journalists fueling conflicts, it is also a fact that the media has and continues to play a key role in preventing conflict and peace-building efforts.
How Media Professionals are Preventing Conflict in Kenya’s Rift Valley
Mildred Magut, a radio presenter at Upendo FM, has, on numerous occasions, helped prevent a possible conflict in the volatile Kerio Valley, a region the Eldoret Catholic Diocese-run radio station covers.
This has been made possible through her regular engagement with locals, social media monitoring and collaboration with non-government organizations.
“Issues around Kerio Valley are known to many. On more than one occasion, based on information I get from listeners and other means, I have hosted elders from different communities in the region for talk shows which helped calm down situations,” Mrs Magut told Uasin Gishu News.
Aside from giving the elders a platform to help preach peace and prevent conflict, the Radio Journalist has also shared information with the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) which runs numerous peace-related projects in the area.
“Some of the information I have shared with CJPC has helped them organize meetings at the grassroots, engaging all parties. There are many positive stories that I can tell that came out of my input and use of early warning,” she said.
James Gitaka, a seasoned Eldoret-based journalist, shared similar sentiments. Gitaka who works for Mediamax networks’ Milele FM and Kameme FM has not only reported about conflicts in the entire Nort Rift region but has also helped prevent them.
One of the early warning methods Gitaka has utilized is having a close collaboration with peace and security organisations, in which they freely share information.
“Journalists usually work closely with civil society organizations and the security agencies. It is a collaboration that I have previously used to share information about potential conflict which enabled them to prepare and respond appropriately,” Gitaka told Uasin Gishu News.
Embracing conflict-sensitive reporting is another key technique that not just Gitaka but several journalists use.
Part of his involvement in early warning is courtesy of the numerous trainings that he has undergone throughout his 11-year practice in the media industry.
“Some of the things are not taught in school but through training by the Media Council of Kenya, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) among other organisations, I have been able to understand that my role is not limited to reporting on conflicts only,” he said.
Challenges Kenyan journalists face in attempts to prevent conflicts
But it is never an easy ride for journalists who try to engage in early warning and peace-building efforts.
Some have been threatened for being perceived to be government informants while others are usually accused of taking sides.
“I remember one time I accompanied peace actors to an event that was meant to help avert a potential conflict and we were attacked. We had to run for our safety,” Gitaka recounted.
However, he believes that with more training on early warning techniques, peacebuilding and conflict-sensitive reporting, journalists can be better equipped to be part of ensuring a conflict-free society.
“The dynamics around conflicts keep changing and this calls for more training to the journalists who will always be part of the solution,” Gitaka said.
Timothy Simwa, a senior K24 journalist further names public perception towards media and access to information as some of the challenges a journalist is likely to face in his attempt to prevent conflict and help in peacebuilding.
“Many believe journalists always take sides, with some even of the perception that we will always be on the side of the government. This perception makes it hard for a journalist to access information from all sides in the conflict,” Simwa said.
“Journalists are human beings, they can be conflicted at times and might find themselves between a rock and a hard place as to whether to share this information with peace actors or not, for the sake of their side of the conflict they might be supporting,” added Naomi Cheruiyot, an Eldoret-based reporter for Lokoi FM.
