John-Allan Namu, the founder of Africa Uncensored and an investigative journalist, has addressed criticism he has received online over foreign sponsorship for his media organization and speculation that he was going to have a town hall-style media debate with President William Ruto.
On Thursday, July 18, Namu, a well-bred journalist who gained notoriety for his investigative work at the Kenya Television Network (KTN), was the target of online criticism following the disclosure by a popular blogger that his media organization continued to receive funding from the Ford Foundation.
The X exposé disclosed that in August 2023, Namu’s Africa Uncensored was awarded a grant of approximately $250,000 (Ksh. 33 million).
Many Kenyans scoured the internet for information about Namu’s connection to the Ford Foundation, which had made headlines a few days prior when President William Ruto accused it of “funding” the anti-government protests across the country.
Under pressure, Namu acknowledged that he had in fact acknowledged financing from the aforementioned American organization, claiming that it was essential for him to do his work independently. He urged Kenyans to evaluate him based on the quality of his job.
“This is true. We have never denied or hidden our sources of funding or partnerships. I have always said that the proof of our intentions is the work we do. I’m ready to defend all the work we have put in,” he wrote.
The questions persisted despite the explanation, which prompted the journalist to issue a comprehensive statement defending not only his own organization but also a number of other significant Kenyan media organizations.
A part of the statement said: “Today, I want to express my gratitude for the many messages I’ve received, which indicate that a large number of you recognize the vile attempt to discredit the work of Africa Uncensored. Thank you all. You have upheld our work as a beacon, corrected us when we were wrong, and now you stand with us. However, this fight is about more than just our credibility; it is about everyone’s voices.”
“We are also facing nefarious onslaughts in the courts via SLAPP suits i.e legal action filed by an individual or organization primarily to intimidate, silence, or censor critics by burdening them with the cost and effort of a legal defence. The situation has now escalated to include the abductions of journalists. Media freedom is the lifeblood through which journalism flourishes, but it is not a privilege only for journalists. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live in a time when your freedoms were at stake, wonder no more. We at Africa Uncensored stand by our and our professional colleagues’ right to report and enjoy the freedoms guaranteed by our constitution to the fullest extent, in line with our code of ethics. We stand by your right to use your voices in the same way,” said Namu.
However, the majority of Kenyans showed their support for Namu and his journalism, much outnumbering the insults. Many even advised him to keep going and disregard the sideshows.
“You’re a good man Allan,” Popular activist Hanifa Adan wrote. Your entire body of work will always be remembered. I appreciate you listening, and I will always be a fan.”
Namu has not yet provided an explanation for her plans to invite President William Ruto at a town hall discussion to address the impasse in Kenyan politics, despite rumors to the contrary. She has merely tweeted, “Guys, I hear you.”
