Faith Wamalwa vows to defend media rights if elected MP

By Newsflash Reporter

Webuye West parliamentary aspirant Faith Wamalwa has pledged to champion the rights and welfare of journalists if elected to Parliament in the 2027 General Election, saying the media fraternity lacks a dedicated voice to defend it when its members face threats.

Wamalwa spoke against the backdrop of the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, an incident that has triggered widespread condemnation from journalists’ organisations, civil society groups and political leaders.

As calls for investigations and accountability continue, concerns have emerged over whether journalists have a strong enough political voice to defend their rights and welfare, particularly when they come under attack.

Wamalwa, a journalist by profession, said she would make the defence of media freedom one of her priorities in Parliament while also carrying out her constitutional responsibilities as a legislator.

“As a sector, we are alone! No one defends us. If elected to Parliament, while my primary responsibility is law making and defending wananchi, I will also task myself with defending the rights and the welfare of my fellow journalists,” Wamalwa told Newsflash in an interview.

Wamalwa backs constitutionalism

The parliamentary aspirant condemned the alleged abduction of Kiprotich, calling for those behind the incident to be held accountable.

“Watching the video clip of Mr Kiprotich being brutally abducted has really worried me. We need to bring back constitutional sanity in our country,” she said.

Wamalwa said the incident should serve as a wake-up call on the need to protect constitutional freedoms, including media freedom and the rights of journalists to carry out their duties without intimidation.

She has already stepped up her political activities ahead of the 2027 elections and on Sunday, August 30, joined thousands of Kenyans at a political rally organised by the Linda Mwananchi group in Meru.

Wamalwa was among several aspirants and political leaders who addressed the crowds during the rally, using the occasion to challenge the government to fulfil its promises on employment opportunities for young people.

“Fellow youth; do you have jobs?” she asked the crowd, receiving a thunderous response from the gathering.

Constitutionalism

The aspirant said her political campaign is anchored on the restoration of constitutionalism and stronger protection of citizens’ rights.

Her position aligns with the ideals promoted by the Linda Mwananchi faction, associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo, among other leaders.

Wamalwa said her experience as a journalist has exposed her to challenges facing media practitioners and strengthened her resolve to advocate for their rights if given an opportunity to serve in Parliament.

She said journalists should be able to perform their duties without fear, while institutions mandated to protect constitutional rights must act whenever media practitioners are threatened or attacked.