By Janet Kipya
Choosing the right headline for a news story isn’t just important—it’s crucial. It’s the first thing that catches a reader’s attention and, for many, determines whether they’ll read the full story or not. In fact, some people don’t even get past the headline; they skim, make assumptions, and move on.
Given this power, media outlets have a huge responsibility to ensure headlines are not just catchy, but also accurate and fair. Sadly, many outlets fall into the trap of sensationalism, chasing clicks at the expense of ethical reporting.
A recent example of this is the People Daily headline from October 9: “The fall of a tribal chief,” referencing the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua by the National Assembly the previous day.
At first glance, this headline grabs attention—it’s bold, dramatic, and provocative. But it also misrepresents the full story. Yes, tribal bias was mentioned during the impeachment proceedings, but focusing solely on this angle simplifies what was a much more complex issue. The allegations against Gachagua went beyond just tribalism; they included charges of corruption and abuse of power. Yet, by using the term “tribal chief,” People Daily steered the narrative in a way that could easily mislead readers. Many might walk away thinking Gachagua’s downfall was only due to tribalism, missing the bigger picture.
The choice of the phrase “tribal chief” is also inappropriate given Gachagua’s position. As Deputy President, he represents a large segment of the Kenyan population. Reducing his identity to a tribal stereotype is not only unfair but can be damaging. It was important for People Daily to exercise greater caution here. No matter the controversy surrounding the impeachment, Gachagua deserves respect and dignity, and until a final determination is done, he should be presumed innocent by the media.
In conclusion, People Daily’s headline was sensational, premature, and ultimately incomplete. By focusing narrowly on tribalism, it oversimplified the much broader charges against Gachagua, including corruption and abuse of power. Given that the case is still pending, the media should be careful not to make definitive statements before all the facts are out.
At the end of the day, the media’s role is to inform, not to sensationalise. When it comes to critical issues like the impeachment of a deputy president, accuracy, balance, and impartiality are key. Moving forward, media outlets need to be more thoughtful in how they frame stories of national importance.
