NAIROBI, Kenya- Prime-time news anchor Trevor Ombija is facing questions over his continued role on air while reportedly preparing to contest the Nyakach parliamentary seat after his employer publicly rejected remarks he made at a political gathering.
Ombija told Nyakach constituents on Friday, September 18, that DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua had called Royal Media Services and demanded his dismissal following a tense television interview.
Speaking in Dholuo, Ombija linked the purported pressure to ethnic bias and suggested that President William Ruto had protected him and his colleagues.
He then used the account to explain his support for President Ruto’s re-election, portraying it as an act of gratitude rather than political opportunism.
Royal Media Services Editorial Director Linus Kaikai publicly rejected the account, saying Gachagua had never made such a call.
“Trevor’s statement is not true. There was no such call from former DP Gachagua. Such a call would in any case not be worthwhile at RMS,” Kaikai said.
Kaikai said he questioned Ombija about the remarks and that the anchor acknowledged making a mistake.
“I have asked Trevor about the remarks and he says it is ‘a mistake and I regret it’. Trevor has also told me he ‘didn’t think the remarks would be picked up,’” Kaikai added.
Omondi raises credibility concerns
Former BBC journalist Ferdinand Omondi said the incident had reopened questions about the credibility of newsrooms that retain journalists who are actively campaigning for political office.
“What happens to newsroom credibility when journalists campaigning for office stay on shows that demand neutrality?” Omondi asked.
He said audiences should not be left questioning whose interests an anchor represents while conducting interviews and interrogating political leaders.
“We can’t claim to hold power to account if we won’t hold ourselves to account,” he said.
Omondi said the Media Council of Kenya’s proposed guidelines must set a clear deadline for journalists seeking elective positions to leave active newsroom roles.
“The real test: when do candidates leave the screen? That timeline can’t be vague, and it can’t wait until 2027,” he said.
MCK developing election guidelines
The Media Council announced in May that it was developing guidelines for media practitioners seeking political office ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The proposed rules include mandatory resignation timelines for political aspirants leaving newsrooms and the immediate suspension of journalists from live hosting, anchoring and reporting once they declare political intentions.
Media houses would also be required to provide fair and balanced coverage to all candidates, including former employees seeking elective positions.
MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said journalists hold a unique position because they control platforms and narratives capable of shaping public opinion and political discourse.
The safeguards are intended to prevent conflicts of interest and stop aspirants from using media platforms to secure an unfair political advantage.
Ombija has been linked to plans to contest the Nyakach parliamentary seat in 2027.
His rally remarks and subsequent admission that they were a mistake have placed fresh attention on when journalists pursuing elective office should stop anchoring programmes that require political neutrality.
