Former Kenya Editor Guild (KEG) President Churchill Otieno has been elected as the chairperson of the African Editors’ Forum (TAEF) continental body.
Otieno’s election was announced during TAEF’s Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, February 20 in Nairobi, where he succeeded Jovial Rantal of South Africa.
TAEF is a body representing editors and senior editorial executives from across the African continent, making it the largest representative of media editors on the continent.
Churchill will serve at the helm of the editors’ body for a period of two years, from 2024- 2026.
The veteran journalist who is a former journo of the Nation Media Group in his acceptance speech called for a reaffirmation of ethical standards and solidarity among journalists.
“As we gather here today, let us reaffirm our pledge to uphold the highest ethical standards, to defend the freedom of the press, and to stand in solidarity with our fellow journalists who risk their lives in the pursuit of truth,” he said.
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Churchill Otieno on protecting journalists
Churchill further said that his appointment comes at a time when crimes against journalists is on the rise in Africa.
He urged the journalist not to forget the human element of their craft – the stories of resilience, courage, and hope that define shared humanity.
“In amplifying the voices of the marginalized, holding the powerful to account, and shining a light on the darkest corners of society, we affirm our commitment to justice, equality, and the pursuit of a better tomorrow,” he stated.
At the same time, the veteran journalist outlined key issues in his agenda, which include Press Freedom and Safety of journalists Implications for Digital Transformation, Media Sustainability, Standards of Journalism and Media Pluralism and Diversity.
The former Nation Media Group journalist served as KEG president from 2018- 2023.
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Others Elected
KEG President Zubeidah Kananu was also elected as a member of the Council during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held on Tuesday February 20 in Nairobi.
Zubeidah Kananu welcomed Churchill’s election, committing to work together with the Africa Editors’ Forum.
“Collaboration is key in our media space. Gone are the days of working in silos. Let us continue to build the journalism profession by sharing lessons in Kenya and Africa,” she said.
Kananu said KEG is confident that the two professional associations will develop a partnership and work together to continue to influence the regulatory and professional environment for the media in Kenya, as well as scale up journalism standards in the continent.
Council members who were also elected include Emmanuel Dogbevi (Ghana) as the Deputy chairperson, Emang Mutapati (Botswana) as the Secretary General), and Sbu Ngalwa (South Africa) as Treasurer General.
Others elected were Durra Gambo (S. Sudan) and Zied el Heni (Tunisia)as members, Representative Algerie and Representative DRC.
A constitutional review committee was set up, with members including Izak Minaar (South Africa) Rosemary Okello-Orlale (Kenya) and Macharia Gaitho (Kenya).
Mathatha Tsedu, founding member of TAEF and long serving South African journalist, was honoured with a Lifetime Service to Journalism Award.
