• Without accountability, verification, and service to society, the profession risks becoming irrelevant in a world already drowning in misinformation. David Omwoyo has challenged journalists to anchor their craft in ethics, accountability, and service to society.

As newsroom doors close, jobs vanish, and algorithms dictate what audiences see, the soul of journalism risks being lost in the noise. That is why the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Omwoyo’s call at an Iftar dinner with Muslim journalists in Mombasa rings louder than ever: journalism must reclaim its moral compass.

Without accountability, verification, and service to society, the profession risks becoming irrelevant in a world already drowning in misinformation. David Omwoyo has challenged journalists to anchor their craft in ethics, accountability, and service to society.

His appeal comes at a moment when the media industry faces mounting pressures—from layoffs and financial strain to the relentless shift toward digital platforms.

At an Iftar dinner with Muslim journalists in Mombasa, Omwoyo urged the profession to embrace its higher calling.

“Shine a light on the plight of the needy. Interfaith dialogue is critical at this time—let us spread love across our communities,” he said, reminding reporters that journalism must transcend headlines to touch lives.

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Strengthening Media Leadership

Omwoyo welcomed the formation of the Pwani Muslim Journalists Group, encouraging members to adopt structured leadership, transparent decision‑making, and accountability.

He acknowledged the turbulence confronting Kenyan media and pledged support through expanded Media Hub facilities, counseling services, and skills programs designed to help journalists adapt.

Journalism’s Global Principles

His reflections echoed journalism’s enduring global principles. From Rome’s Acta Diurna to China’s Tang dynasty bao circulars, the profession has always carried the weight of informing society.

Over centuries, journalism evolved to meet commercial demand, empower democratic participation, and hold power accountable.

Verification and Ethics in Modern Practice

Modern scholarship reinforces Omwoyo’s emphasis on ethics and verification. Research in the Canadian Journal of Communication identifies verification as the cornerstone of professional journalism.

Analytical essays, such as ‘The Transformative Role of Journalism in Society’, highlight the watchdog role of the press while warning of digital challenges like misinformation and algorithmic bias.

A Call to Kenyan Journalists

Omwoyo’s Iftar message resonated as a clear call to action: maintain integrity, verify facts, and tell stories that serve the public interest. Journalism, he reminded his audience, is not just a profession—it is a moral compass. It shapes society, holds power accountable, and gives voice to the vulnerable.

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