Citizen TV journalist Yvonne Okwara has conceded after losing the Kenya Editors’ Guild president election to Standard Group’s Zubeida Kananu.
In a statement after the results were announced, Okwara said that even though the final outcome was not what she hoped for, she remains proud of the message of renewal her team carried.
“Today, I concede the election for President of the Kenya Editors' Guild, with a full heart and with deep respect for the democratic will of the membership.
“This has been a spirited campaign, and while I had hoped for a different outcome, I accept the result with grace, and I remain proud of the message we carried - one of renewal, credibility and collective purpose,” she said.
Okwara added that her candidature was not just about winning but restoring something that matters, ‘our voice, our standards and our shared future’.
She said this work will continue, even as she wished the new leadership team well as they begin their two-year term.
“To the incoming leadership: I extend my sincere congratulations. You have a big task ahead of you- to unite the guild and to restore trust in our shared institution. I wish you wisdom, clarity and courage in this journey," she said.
“To those who supported me, thank you for your belief, not just in me, but in the possibility of a better Guild. Our work doesn't end here. I remain committed to the values that got me into this race: integrity, transparency and the strengthening of our editorial independence in Kenya.”
In the election, Kananu retained her position after she garnered 72 votes against her closest challenger, Citizen's Yvonne Okwara who polled 58 votes in the virtual elections held on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
Kananu will be deputized by Francis Openda.
Agnes Mwangangi was elected as Member for Radio, Julius Bosire as member for academia, Mildred Awuor television representative, Linda Bach print representative, while Kenfrey Kiberenge was elected as online/digital representative.
Others were Martin Masai, Ruth Nesoba and Mbugua Ng'ang'a, who were picked as trustees.
