The Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA) on Wednesday, August 27, unveiled its new leadership team after a heated election that saw most of the top positions shift to new hands. The elections were competitive, with journalists from different media houses battling for influential seats within the association.
Radio Africa Group’s senior political reporter, Moses Odhiambo, was elected as the new chairperson. He narrowly defeated his rival, David Mwere of the Daily Nation, by securing 34 votes against Mwere’s 14. Odhiambo now takes over from Duncan Khaemba of NTV, who had served as chair for two consecutive terms and stepped down after completing his tenure.
For the secretary-general’s position, Radio Citizen’s Edwin Obuya won unopposed after his early popularity in the voting round forced his competitors to withdraw. Speaking after the win, Obuya expressed gratitude to the members for trusting him with the position and pledged to deliver his duties with commitment.
“I truly appreciate the trust and confidence you have shown in me. Winning this seat unopposed is not just an honour but also a reminder of the responsibility that comes with it. I promise to serve this association with dedication and ensure that it grows stronger,” Obuya said.
Obuya will be deputised by Collins Omulo of the Daily Nation, who defeated his fellow contender, Mary Wangari of Taifa Leo. Omulo managed to secure 36 votes, while Wangari came in with 10 votes.
Another major highlight of the elections was the battle for the Vice Chair position, where Capital FM’s Irene Mwangi emerged victorious. She received 27 votes, defeating Kamche Menza of KBC, who managed 19 votes.
Interestingly, Mwangi switched roles with TV47’s Elizabeth Mutuku, who had been the association’s Vice Chair for four years. This time, Mutuku successfully contested for the Treasurer’s seat, garnering 26 votes against 20 for Edward Kabasa of KBC.
Citizen TV’s political reporter, Emmanuel Too, also joined the new leadership team after being elected as the Organising Secretary.
Too went into the elections unchallenged and won the seat automatically. During his acceptance, he introduced himself as part of “Team Gen Z,” promising to inject new energy and fresh ideas into the association’s leadership.
The Standard Media also secured a spot in the leadership after journalist Josphat Thiong’o won the Liaison Officer seat, defeating his colleague Boniface Okendo, who was also contesting for the same role.
The KPJA remains an important body within the media landscape in Kenya, as it brings together journalists who cover parliamentary proceedings. Its role is to act as a bridge between Parliament and the public by ensuring that legislative matters are reported in a clear, accurate, and responsible manner.
Members of the association are expected to uphold the principles of factual, objective, and balanced reporting to help Kenyans understand debates, bills, and decisions made in the National Assembly and Senate.
Through such elections, the KPJA not only renews its leadership but also strengthens its mission of enhancing accountability, transparency, and accessibility of parliamentary information to the public.
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