The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has led tributes to Dr. Thomas Ibrahim Okinda, a celebrated journalism and communication scholar at Moi University, describing him as a “towering intellectual, a mentor of generations, and a defender of ethical journalism.”
Dr. Okinda, a lecturer in the Department of Publishing, Journalism, and Communication Studies, passed away earlier this week after a career marked by tireless teaching, groundbreaking research, and unmatched dedication to shaping Kenya’s media landscape.
Scholar of Integrity and Depth
At Moi University, Dr. Okinda carved a reputation as a rigorous yet compassionate academic. His research stretched across human rights journalism, media and information literacy, online journalism, and peace journalism, placing him at the cutting edge of debates on press freedom and the evolving role of media in society.
In recent years, he turned his attention to the information and artificial intelligence eras, interrogating how young people, especially Gen-Z protest movements in Kenya, navigate truth, misinformation, and political messaging in a digital age.
“Dr. Okinda brought clarity and courage to journalism scholarship at a time when society desperately needed it,” MCK CEO David Omwoyo noted. “His voice guided both practitioners and students toward understanding the media not just as a profession but as a cornerstone of democracy.”
Champion of Women’s Political Participation
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Okinda was deeply invested in political communication, particularly how the media shapes women’s involvement in politics within developing democracies. His findings, often cited in academic and policy circles, challenged entrenched stereotypes and highlighted journalism’s potential to dismantle barriers for women leaders.
“His passion was not only about training journalists but ensuring the media becomes a tool of inclusion and empowerment,” said one of his colleagues at Moi University.
Mentor to a Generation
Students remember him as a scholar who bridged theory and practice. He introduced young journalists to digital journalism, publishing innovations, and science communication, equipping them with the skills to thrive in fast-changing media spaces.
“Dr. Okinda believed that every journalist should be a critical thinker and a social conscience,” recalled a former student now working in Nairobi’s media industry. “He didn’t just teach us how to write stories—he taught us why stories matter.”
A National and Continental Voice
His academic footprint extended beyond Kenya. Through publications, conferences, and cross-border collaborations, Dr. Okinda became a respected voice in continental debates about the role of media in democracy, conflict resolution, and the protection of human rights.
The Media Council hailed him as a partner in shaping media literacy initiatives, often drawing on his expertise to strengthen professional training and policy development in Kenya.
Legacy of Service
While his passing leaves a gap in academia and the media fraternity, his intellectual contributions and the many students he mentored ensure that his legacy will endure.
“Dr. Okinda was more than an academic—he was a moral compass for the media,” the Media Council said in its statement. “Kenya has lost a scholar, a mentor, and a voice of conscience, but his work will continue to inspire.”
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