On October 16 , a day after the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, while the media mourned his passing with sorrowful headlines, a quieter story appeared on page 12 of the Daily Nation about young Kenyans who found themselves on the battlefronts of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
The story detailed how unscrupulous agencies exploited poverty and joblessness to lure Kenyan youths into a conflict they knew little about. While some were aware of what they were signing up for, the majority were enticed by promises of legitimate jobs and dignity, only to become embroiled in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
Duty that transcends grief
Journalism serves as history’s initial sketch or first draft if you like, because of our role in not only shaping but also preserving public memory. That duty goes beyond the big stories of the day. In fact, since headline stories like the death of Agwambo will likely be documented beyond the media, journalists must never forget the quieter job of keeping a steady eye on issues that might slip through the cracks when a nation’s focus is elsewhere or overwhelmed by grief, as was the case with the passing of Raila Odinga. It’s commendable that Daily Nation, despite the national mood, chose to run this important story, albeit buried on page 12, ensuring that our role in writing history’s initial draft includes such stories.
It’s also important to note that journalists, like everyone else, grieve. They experience loss alongside those they cover – as community members, acquaintances, and loved ones. Therefore, we must appreciate those who, even in mourning, pursue stories that may not make the headlines but still ensure they do their job thoroughly, examining every angle and seeking honest answers. It takes a special kind of strength to do that.
Besides being well-researched and balanced, this story was timely. Timely because the youth who demonstrated their love for Baba are also being tricked into fighting overseas, chasing jobs that do not exist. It highlights what Raila embodied as someone who carried the ambitions and hopes of many. These are precisely the stories we must tell.
People-centered coverage
The narrative also avoids hype. Instead, it shares stories about real people, such as an ex-GSU officer who, facing tough times, chose to fight in Russia rather than remain jobless. Likewise, others confess they were misled; promised tech jobs but found themselves signed up to serve. It lays things out evenly: what Russia claims didn’t happen, what Ukraine asserts did happen, the concerns of Kenyan authorities, and the defense of the accused agencies. All stories are sourced, checked, and allow readers to make informed deductions.
It’s more than just events; a shared feeling of humanity runs through this piece. Rather than portraying distant figures in a power struggle, it depicts individuals caught in war experiencing real pain.
Having said that, the headline “Concern over Kenyans fighting for Russia,” sounds restrained and does not convey the weight of the issue. Even the tag quote, “A Kenyan on the Russian side says he plans to stay on as he’s earning far much more than he did back home,” though highlighting how dire the situation is here at home, risks normalising what is essentially a story of exploitation. But beyond that, this reporting exemplifies what good journalism really means – a dedication to facts and people, and a commitment to our shared values that persists even in difficult times. Kudos to the Daily Nation newsroom. As we continue to grieve Raila Odinga’s passing and come to terms with this loss, we must remember that when front-page stories are dominated by mourning, it takes courage to remind the public that other truths still demand space. That’s what Daily Nation did, and that’s what journalism must keep doing.
