Government spokesperson Charles Owino has warned that false and misleading information could become a major threat to Kenya’s peace, security and democracy as political activities gather pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to journalists in Nairobi on Wednesday in his first address since his appointment, Owino called for closer cooperation between the media, government and the public to ensure political claims are tested against facts and data.
“The greatest threat to our democracy, peace, and security shall originate from people making decisions based on false information, misinformation, disinformation, and fake news,” he said.
Owino said the media has a key role to play in protecting the public from unverified claims by questioning statements made by both the government and opposition leaders.
He urged journalists not to simply repeat what politicians say, but to seek evidence and ask difficult questions regardless of which side of the political divide is making the claims.
“I want to ask members of the fourth estate that you must ask us hard questions, both government and opposition, because this is a democracy,” Owino said.
“We must corroborate all our sentiments with facts and with data. If we don't do that, then we are going to fail on our responsibility.”
The government spokesperson also spoke against abusive remarks directed at President William Ruto, saying disagreements with an individual occupying the office should not be confused with respect for the presidency.
“The presidency is a symbol of national unity, you may have a difference with individuals, but the presidency is a symbol of national unity,” he said.
Owino further challenged opposition leaders to offer Kenyans clear plans for governing the country instead of making their campaigns mainly about removing Ruto from State House.
“We know the president must go at one term, whether one term or two terms, he must go because that is what our constitution has provided. But what are you laying for these young people who are coming up? What are you going to do better?” he asked.
He also urged voters to assess the government by comparing its performance with the commitments made in Ruto’s 2022 campaign manifesto.
Owino disputed claims that the administration had achieved nothing, citing changes in the agriculture sector, including a reduction in the price of fertiliser from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500. He said the price was expected to fall further to Sh2,000.
He also pointed to the registration of 7.1 million farmers on a digital platform used to manage fertiliser distribution.
According to Owino, the system was introduced to reduce corruption and stop individuals from purchasing large quantities of subsidised fertiliser for resale.
Beyond agriculture, he said the government had recorded progress in housing, healthcare and education, while also defending its management of the debt it inherited after taking office.
On education, Owino said the government had released Sh307.5 billion in school capitation this year.
He said the amount included Sh18 billion released for the third term, Sh245.3 billion issued before the second term and Sh44.2 billion released in January.
Owino added that funding to the Ministry of Education had increased from Sh500 billion in 2022 to Sh784.5 billion this year.
He further said more than 100,000 teachers had been employed under the current administration, with another 20,000 positions planned for recruitment.
His remarks come as political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election intensifies, with the government highlighting its record in office while opposition leaders seek to build a united political front against Ruto.