Veteran Journalist Timothy Chemweno Honoured as Mashujaa for Peacebuilding in Kerio Valley
Joseph Mecha, Media Council of Kenya (MCK) North Rift Regional Coordinator, addresses the media alongside fellow MCK officials during their recent visit to the Eldoret Media Hub in Uasin Gishu County.
By Judy Waka
Veteran journalist Timothy Kipkorir Chemweno has been honoured as a Shujaa during the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations in recognition of his contribution to peacebuilding and conflict-sensitive reporting in the volatile Kerio Valley region.
Chemweno was among 264 Kenyans recognised during the national celebrations held on October 20, 2026, for their contributions to the country in various fields.
According to the National Heroes Council citation, Chemweno was recognised for his role in promoting peace along the conflict-prone border between Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties, where recurring insecurity has affected communities for years.
Through his journalism, Chemweno helped highlight conflict incidents, amplify community concerns and bring attention to peacebuilding initiatives. His reporting also helped raise awareness of issues affecting residents, counter misinformation and encourage dialogue among communities.
The recognition underscores the role of responsible journalism in addressing conflict, promoting public understanding and supporting peaceful coexistence in areas affected by insecurity.
“I am appreciative to the President and humbled that I was awarded the Shujaa in the category of peace-making,” Chemweno said.
“As a journalist, whatever you do, no matter how small it is, it has a way of paying back,” he added.
Building trust through peace journalism
Reflecting on his years covering the Kerio Valley, Chemweno said his work involved reporting on communities that had experienced recurring tensions and conflict.
He said maintaining objectivity, fairness and trust was essential to reporting on sensitive issues without worsening divisions among residents.
“I covered the volatile Kerio Valley for close to a decade, reporting on communities that were often at odds. During that time, I was able to build trust among the communities and report objectively and fairly, highlighting issues that threatened peace in the region,” he said.
Chemweno said his approach was centred on giving communities a voice while ensuring that reporting on conflict remained balanced and focused on issues affecting peace and security.
His experience highlights the importance of conflict-sensitive journalism in areas where inaccurate, inflammatory or one-sided reporting can deepen mistrust and heighten tensions.
Peace journalism seeks to go beyond reporting violence and confrontation by examining the underlying causes of conflict, the experiences of affected communities and efforts to resolve disputes peacefully. It does not mean suppressing uncomfortable facts but reporting them accurately, fairly and responsibly.
Surprise recognition after joining the Media Council of Kenya
Chemweno said he was surprised to receive the national honour, which came eight years after he left active media practice and joined the Media Council of Kenya (MCK).
He currently works with the council, which is mandated to promote media freedom, professionalism and ethical journalism in Kenya.
“Eight years after leaving the media space and joining the Media Council of Kenya, I was shocked to receive this recognition. I am humbled and grateful that my contribution to peacebuilding has been recognised,” he said.
His recognition has also drawn commendation from colleagues at the Media Council of Kenya, who have welcomed the award as an acknowledgement of his contribution to peacebuilding and responsible journalism.
Joseph Mecha, the Media Council of Kenya’s North Rift Regional Coordinator, described the recognition as deserving, noting the importance of journalism in promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening public understanding.
“This is a well-deserved recognition for Timothy Chemweno. His honour demonstrates that journalism goes beyond reporting events; it can also play a critical role in promoting peace, encouraging dialogue and helping communities find common ground. His achievement should inspire other journalists to continue serving the public with professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility,” Mecha said.
Call for responsible reporting ahead of the 2027 elections
Looking ahead, Chemweno urged journalists across the country to uphold accuracy, fairness and professionalism as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.
He cautioned against forms of reporting that could inflame political tensions, spread misinformation or contribute to violence, emphasising that the media has an important responsibility to support peaceful democratic processes.
“My advice to fellow journalists, especially as we head towards the 2027 elections, is to report fairly and accurately. We must avoid violence-provoking journalism and ensure that our country goes through the election period peacefully, without any form of violence,” Chemweno said.
His remarks come as journalists prepare to cover political campaigns, public rallies, competing political interests and other developments likely to shape the election period.
Responsible election reporting requires journalists to verify information before publication, distinguish facts from opinion, provide fair representation to relevant parties and avoid publishing inflammatory claims without sufficient evidence.
It also calls for caution when reporting on ethnic, political or community tensions, particularly in areas with a history of conflict.
The media’s role in an election extends beyond relaying statements by political leaders. Journalists are also expected to scrutinise claims, hold public officials accountable, provide voters with accurate information and avoid amplifying disinformation that could undermine public trust or peaceful participation in the electoral process.
Chemweno’s experience in the Kerio Valley offers an example of how sustained, fair and community-focused reporting can contribute to dialogue in areas affected by insecurity.
Recognising the contribution of journalists to peace
The 2026 Mashujaa Day honours recognised Kenyans across several categories for their contributions to national development, service and community welfare.
Chemweno’s recognition places a spotlight on the contribution of journalists whose work helps communities understand the causes and consequences of conflict while drawing attention to initiatives aimed at restoring peace.
For communities in the Kerio Valley, a region that has experienced recurring insecurity and inter-community tensions, balanced reporting can help document residents’ experiences, expose threats to peace and ensure that the concerns of affected people receive public attention.
His award also highlights the broader contribution of media professionals who work to strengthen public understanding and encourage peaceful coexistence, including those whose work takes place away from the spotlight.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, Chemweno’s message to fellow journalists is that fairness, accuracy and responsibility must remain central to their work.
His recognition serves as a reminder that journalism is not only about recording events but also about informing the public responsibly and ensuring that reporting contributes to a better-informed society.
Edited by James Gitaka, Chief Editor, HubzMedia Africa
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