By Jerry Nguwa
May 1 2009

As we all gathered to celebrate the world's freedom of the press here in Kenya , we media practitioners have another reason to rejoice. It is the confidence that the people of Kenya have given us.

Though we are among the most trusted institutions in the country, we also have to admit that we are the worst enemy of this great African country.

With the rise of technology means of reaching the people, it is quiet difficult to distinguish journalists from quacks.

We widely contributed to the killings that brought our beloved and Dear country down at the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008. We are the one that published and broadcasted hatred messages and false stories on our mediums. We than wore white dresses after we realised the role we played in the destruction of this country.

For some of us and all those who have gone beyond our borders after the post election skirmishes know very well that it's only the name of Barack Hussein Obama that is saving our already tarnished reputation. Is it not time that we take retreat and discern to know what the problem in our midst?

Our very own media gurus have ditched the ethics regulating our noble profession for the sake of money and recognition. We have hired non journalists to even senior positions just for their names and celebrity status. It has become impossible to differentiate disc jockeys to journalists.

We have put our house styles and policies to the payroll of some rich and influential fellows.

Dear colleagues, the time has come we reclaim our dignity lost and tarnished. We need to clean our stables and find the way forward. Let us join hand we our fraternity oppressed in some countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and all the other countries around us.

We have blamed the Government for signing into law some drastic measures against us. Is it not our fault that has lead to it? If we didn't sing political tunes or allow non professionalism, could we have come to this?

Instead of celebrating or cry, we should take our responsibilities and apply professionalism in our work.

At Hapamedia, we are dedicating this year celebration to all our fallen friends and Serge Maheshe in particular.
http://www.hapamedia.net/nsmediake.php