UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan addresses journalists during a press briefing at the UDA party headquarters in Nairobi on July 3rd,2026.
sNAIROBI, July 3, 2026 — The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has accused sections of the Kenyan media of abandoning professional journalism in favour of political activism, while reaffirming its commitment to constitutional freedoms, including freedom of the press.
Speaking during a press briefing at the party headquarters in Nairobi, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, who read the party’s statement on media accountability and rogue journalism, said the party fully supports media freedom but insisted that journalists and media houses must uphold accuracy, fairness, impartiality and professional ethics in the discharge of their duties.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to constitutional freedoms, including the freedom of the media as guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya. A free press remains an indispensable pillar of democracy and public accountability. At the same time, media freedom carries an equally important responsibility to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, impartiality and professional ethics,” Hassan said.
He alleged that some media organisations had increasingly prioritised sensationalism, speculation and political agendas over factual reporting, warning that such practices were eroding public confidence in journalism and deepening national divisions.
“Journalists have a professional and ethical duty to publish verified, accurate and balanced information. They should distinguish clearly between facts, opinions and speculation and refrain from publishing insinuations and rumours that are not supported by credible evidence,” he said.
Hassan further urged Kenyans to verify information through multiple credible sources and rely on official government communication on matters of public policy, saying misinformation and unverified reporting were contributing to anxiety and unnecessary tension.
Defending the Kenya Kwanza administration, the UDA Secretary General said President William Ruto’s government had made notable economic progress through debt restructuring, currency stability and improved investor confidence.
“He has ensured that we had some realignment and reprofiling of our debt. He has ensured currency stability and a sound economic take-off. Kenya is looking up, and people are increasingly taking Kenya as an attractive investment destination,” Hassan said.
Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero called on media houses to embrace responsible journalism and avoid publishing misleading or exaggerated headlines capable of inflaming political tensions.
Drawing from his previous experience in the media industry, Kidero said journalism should remain committed to informing, educating and promoting national cohesion while upholding truth and accuracy.
“My plea is that we move away from sensational headlines that are not truthful. The media has a responsibility not only to inform but also to educate and contribute to national unity,” Kidero said.
He maintained that security-related allegations, including claims of disappearances or abductions, should be reported to the relevant authorities for investigation instead of creating fear among the public.
“The government has a responsibility to protect Kenyans and their property. If claims are made, they should be verified and investigated rather than creating fear and despondency,” he said.
The UDA leadership said it would continue engaging media houses professionally while advocating for a media environment that promotes truth, accountability, democracy and national development.
