Journalists affiliated with the Lake Region Journalists Network (LRJN) on Saturday came together in pomp and colour to celebrate their end-year party, barely four months after the outfit’s formation.
The colourful event, which drew scribes from across the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), was held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground and was underscored by strong calls for unity, growth and a shared development agenda heading into the new year.
LRJN chairman Josephat Odhiambo led the executive committee in urging members to remain united and to prioritise the long-term growth of the organisation.
“Let us walk this journey together. Unity must remain our guiding principle as we think about the development agenda of this organisation,” Odhiambo said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by LRJN patron William Adoyo, who told members that cohesion and collective purpose would be key to the network’s expansion and to ensuring that members reap tangible benefits.
Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs Beatrice Odongo Wadiaga lauded journalists for their role in amplifying government programmes, saying their work had made her docket easier to deliver.
She pledged her support to LRJN, expressing willingness to engage the outfit not only as a partner but also as a friend of the network. Wadiaga urged journalists to speak with one voice, noting that unity would translate into greater impact and opportunities.
Bunge La Wananchi Caucus leader and Kondele Ward aspirant Sospeter Obungu Owich assured journalists of his commitment to press freedom should he be elected to the Kisumu County Assembly after the 2027 General Election.
Obungu described journalists as one of the most underpaid yet most critical professions, saying they often risk their lives while exposing societal ills. He credited the media for shaping his public profile through consistent coverage in broadcast and print platforms.
“I am who I am today because journalists gave me a voice,” he said.
Chief Officer for Education, Technical Training, Innovation and Social Services, Eng. Bovince Ochieng’, said he was a living testament to the power of journalism, revealing that media exposure played a role in his transition from the private sector to public service.
“You have an obligation to help shape sound, peaceful and pro-development leadership in 2027. Many people look up to you for direction through civic education,” Ochieng’ said, urging journalists to actively influence leadership choices and connect young people to available opportunities through informed reporting.
The celebrations kicked off with a friendly football match in which the LRJN team fell 1–3 to Manyatta United, setting the tone for a day of camaraderie and reflection on the network’s growing role in the region.
