WAJIR – Wajir County Women Representative Fatuma Abdi Jehow has criticised a section of the media for what she described as deliberate misinformation and unprofessional reporting during her recent development tour in Bute, Wajir North Constituency.
The lawmaker, who made her visit to Bute town on Sunday , expressed disappointment at headlines that portrayed her reception as hostile. Some media outlets carried dramatic reports claiming “political tension” and “one-term” chants against the Women Representative. Jehow dismissed these accounts as inaccurate and misleading.
“I’m genuinely surprised by the level of unprofessionalism displayed by some sections of our media,” Jehow stated. “My recent visit to Bute in Wajir North was a historic one. I am the first sitting Women Representative to visit the great people of Bute since the inception of devolution. Those familiar with the vastness of Wajir County understand the significance of this milestone.”
She added that instead of reporting facts on the ground, certain correspondents from respected media houses chose to push alternative narratives. “As we embrace the digital era, the responsibility to share accurate, balanced, and truthful information has never been more important. Our people deserve facts, not narratives that misrepresent events,” she emphasised.
Despite the media controversy, Jehow described her engagement in Bute as highly successful and inspiring. She highlighted the warm reception from residents, noting the enthusiasm and hope displayed by women, youth, elders, and community leaders. The visit focused on development needs, particularly supporting girls’ education, as evidenced by her interaction with students at Bute School.
In an earlier statement reflecting on the tour, Jehow expressed deep gratitude to the community:
“My heart is full of pride after a truly memorable Sunday in Bute – the land of milk and honey. Wajir North will always hold a special place in my life and journey, and today was one of those moments that will remain with me for years to come.”
She thanked elders, women, youth, community leaders, administrators, security officers, religious scholars (Ulamaa), and all residents for their participation. “Your warmth, unity and commitment to the development of our community continue to inspire me,” she said.
Jehow stressed that true leadership is measured by service rather than words. “Through my office, we have remained committed to ensuring that opportunities and development reach every corner of Wajir North, and together we will continue building a future that leaves no one behind,” she affirmed.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 21, Jehow singled out Standard correspondent Ahmed Hussein Aden and Citizen correspondent Hashim Roble Jimale, accusing them of publishing reports that did not reflect what happened on the ground and demanding a public apology.
“Following the stories published yesterday by various media outlets regarding my visit to Bute, I wish to express my deep disappointment with the reports by Ahmed Hussein Aden, a Standard correspondent, and Hashim Roble Jimale, a Citizen correspondent,” she wrote.
Jehow stressed that journalists have a responsibility to ensure that their reporting is factual, fair, accurate and objective.
“The information they published was inaccurate and did not reflect the reality on the ground. As journalists, there is a responsibility to report facts fairly, accurately, and objectively.
“Publishing misleading information not only misinforms the public but also undermines the dignity of the office I hold and the trust of the people I represent,” she added.
Jehow subsequently called on the two journalists to publicly apologise to her office and the people she represents over what she described as misleading reports.
“I therefore call upon Ahmed Hussein Aden and Hashim Roble Jimale to publicly apologize to the office I hold, the people of Wajir North, and the entire people of Wajir County for the misleading reports they published,” she further said.
The visit is being viewed by her supporters as a significant step towards strengthening grassroots connections and addressing long-standing development gaps in the expansive and often marginalised Wajir North Constituency.
Jehow concluded by reiterating her dedication: “Thank you, Wajir North. The journey continues.”
