John-Allan Namu, a seasoned investigative journalist, received recognition on Friday, December 3, for his efforts to uphold human rights in Kenya.
In Kenya, Namu, a co-founder of African Uncensored, was named Human Rights Defender of the Year.
Namu was commended by the Working Group on Human Rights Defender of Kenya, which urged him to carry on the commendable work he has been doing for more than ten years.
“And the winner of the Human Rights Defender of the Year, John-allan Namu.
John-allan Namu
“Congratulations on this befitting recognition for always putting ink on paper and voice on film for the sake of all of us. We celebrate you,” the Working Group on Human Rights Defender of Kenya wrote on Twitter.
Namu expressed his joy in the award that has since placed him in the category of the few Kenyans who champion human rights.
“This is an unexpected but truly humbling award (given that I am a journalist). Deeply grateful and glad to stand shoulder to shoulder with human rights defenders,” Namu acknowledged.
The awarding organisation, The Working Group on Human Rights Defender of Kenya, highlighted that Namu had fought for the right of the voiceless in society.
Namu’s Africa Uncensored also recognised their founder, who has been at the forefront of many national investigative pieces.
“Our Co-founder and CEO won the Human Rights Defender of the Year! Congratulations,” Africa Uncensored responded.
The former KTN Investigative Journalist received accolades for his feature story highlighting the plight of many Kenyans, especially those living in low-income areas.
Through African Uncensored, Namu has produced several investigative documentaries that highlight the plight of slum dwellers and other oppressed Kenyans.
He also took part in exposing rogue police officers who have been carrying out extra-judicial killings in Kenya, particularly in Mathare slums.
Previously, Namu worked for the Standard Group PLC, where he was the lead investigator on a programme known as the Inside Story.
Namu worked with the current Nyali Member of Parliament, Mohammed Ali, at KTN News, with the latter running the programme known as Jicho Pevu.