This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
On July 26, 2019, Kibra MP Ken Okoth passed away at the age of 41 after a long battle with cancer. Erick Wekesa, a concerned citizen, believes that Nation did a disservice to Okoth's memory by not giving him a splash headline on the front page.
According to Wekesa, the newspaper's decision not to give Okoth a splash headline was a missed opportunity to honor his legacy and legacy. He points out that Okoth was a highly respected and admired figure, known for his big heart and his ability to touch and transform lives.
Wekesa's criticism is based on the fact that Nation gave splash headlines to Bob Collymore and Joyce Laboso, who also died of cancer in the same month. He argues that Okoth's death was just as newsworthy and deserving of a splash headline.
Wekesa believes that the headline chosen for Okoth's death, 'Ken Okoth loses battle with cancer', was not only negative but also reduced Okoth to a mere cancer victim. He argues that a splash headline would have given Okoth the recognition he deserved and would have been a fitting tribute to his memory.
While Wekesa's criticism is valid, it is worth noting that choosing a splash headline is not an exact science. Nation had to weigh the importance of two competing news stories, one of which was an exposé of the Akasha brothers' reign of terror.
