Government Spokesman Charles Owino has sent a stern warning to individuals spreading false narratives against the state, vowing that his office will systematically counter misinformation using factual and verifiable evidence.
Speaking in Siaya Town during a sustainability fundraiser for the Siaya Press Club, Owino clarified that while constructive criticism of the government is healthy in a democracy, deliberate falsehoods will not be tolerated.
”Tell those who are giving misinformation that they are in trouble because I will not sit back and let them go,” Owino warned. “I will not beat you, but I will use my mouth and writing skills to challenge and put you in your right place.”
Owino stressed that the state does not condone disinformation, propaganda, or the character assassination of public officials. He urged members of the fourth estate to maintain strict professional ethics, adhere to factual reporting, and remain vigilant against emerging digital threats, specifically the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate fake news.
The event, which drew local leaders and key media stakeholders including Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Director Victor Bwire also highlighted the role of regional reporting in holding leadership accountable.
Representing Siaya Governor James Orengo, County Secretary Elizabeth Adongo praised journalists for their consistent oversight over both county and national executive arms since the advent of devolution.
”The constitution mandates us to serve the public effectively, and the media has done superb work over the last 15 years digging out facts and keeping citizens informed,” Adongo said.
Focusing on social justice, South East Alego Member of County Assembly (MCA) Scholastica Masidis Madowo urged the press to leverage its influence to advocate for gender parity and expose systemic barriers facing women.
Madowo called on journalists to remain steadfast in pushing for the full implementation of the two-thirds gender rule and reporting on social ills that hinder women’s progress in leadership.
