This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
Kenyan Editors Welcome Timely Opinion Pieces ¶
Published on September 27, 2019, in the Saturday Nation, an article by Roy Gachuhi sparked a heated debate about the role of opinion pieces in Kenyan media.
Asoka Itur, a prominent figure, described Gachuhi's article as an unfair attempt to rubbish football superstar McDonald Mariga's candidature in the Kibra by-election.
Dr. Itur expressed his disappointment with Gachuhi's opinion piece, stating that it was perfect if done after Mariga fails in his ambition, but not before. He argued that Gachuhi's criticism could be attributed to his failure, and that the best approach would have been to wish Mariga well and warn him of the dangers ahead.
However, the Nation Media Group (NMG) policy recognizes freedom of speech as a basic element of democracy. The policy clearly differentiates opinion from news and allows opinion writers to express their views freely, as long as they do not breach the editorial policy.
Effective opinion pieces hit hard but are informed and backed by facts, not just emotion and opinion. They are also well-written, using colourful language, vivid images, analogies, and arguments. Gachuhi's article, although teetering on the brink of overkill, remained sober and well-delivered.
Kenyan editors welcome provocative pieces that astonish, timely pieces that stimulate discussion, and drive public debate. They want pieces that may make people say, 'Did you read that piece in the Nation today?'
