This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
July 11, 2019
Many readers have asked the Public Editor why their letters to the Editor or The Watchman are not published. To shed light on this, we spoke to Khakhudu Agunda, a retired Nation Opinion Editor who edited 'The Cutting Edge' column by The Watchman and the Letters to the Editor section.
According to Agunda, the secret to getting a letter published lies in writing well and being prolific in your submissions. He explained that people who write well are more likely to have their items and letters picked for publication.
Agunda highlighted the case of Prof X.N. Iraki, who has been a regular contributor to 'The Cutting Edge' for many years. Iraki knows the exact length required for each item and brings a light touch to serious issues covered daily in the newspaper.
Other prolific contributors include Ruth Gituma, who comments on social issues and politics, and Diana D'Souza, who focuses on the performance of the Nairobi City Council and County. Devere Mwangi and Carey Yiembe represent Mombasa, while travel professional Ndung'u Njaga used to throw in fascinating stuff before slowing down.
Agunda emphasized that the editor looks for interesting, witty, and knowledgeable pieces that are free of risks such as libel. He advised writers to polish up their flair and sharpen their ability to craft their observations in just about three sentences.
Agunda's advice is to remember that 'The Cutting Edge' is not a 'Lost and Found' column. However, with some witty construction, even a complaint can find a place in the Edge.
