Why Journalists Shifting to Political Seats

The Kenyan political landscape is ever evolving. It is rapid in transformation in such a way that the players involved are sometimes surprising and unexpected. Over the past few decades, however, there has been a standout. Apart from the renowned politicians and key figures who have been in the arena for the longest and some whose involvement is because of familial ties, another set is entering the ring; Journalists.

The entrance of journalists or rather their shift from newsrooms and media houses to the parliament and political power is something very interesting. The evidence is overwhelmingly there. To break it down further, Mass communication and journalism comprises a wide array with Public Relations and Media being the stand-outs. On one hand, the media seeks the truth and reports it, on the other, Public relations is more focused on protecting the brand and image of a company, saying the truth? not much of their agenda. The transition therefore, is fueled by something perhaps deeper than we think. 

Most, if not all, media houses invite politicians and stakeholders in the government to panels and talk shows which are normally dressed as tackling issues affecting citizens. However, looking through that veil will lead you to the conclusion that they are just there to amplify the government's agenda and enhance their public image while using policies which are never implemented as a decoy. Over the years, journalists have now understood how the political game is played with data, research and methods now available to them since they are good at information gathering.

It is a bitter pill to swallow but the point is clear. Though in denial, most journalists venture into politics, not because they want to promote good governance, not because they want to exercise their democratic right, and definitely not because they want to fulfill their manifesto. They get their because their long-term interaction with politicians has brought them to the reality that politics is more like a profitable business. That explains why some journalists would rather resign from their jobs to vie for a political seat whose salary is way less than what they earned before. It is not ignorance. It is a meticulously calculated risk with high returns if the plan falls in place. They understand the media and its effect, they understand agenda setting and framing, they know how the media is important in spinning narratives and they have the whole blueprint of how the media is instrumental in diverting attention when scandals begin to knock the door.

In a nutshell, the shift from journalism to politics and power is not at all time driven by goodwill and patriotism, neither is it fueled by genuine desire to transform the country. I am not shunning any possibility of good intentions but the overall standout is clear. It is a business venture which has proven rewarding despite the struggles and challenges it equally serves.