Upon finishing part of my weekend work on campus, i decided to brush through the newspaper.

Voting on the proposed draft constitution is around the corner, and as expected, it hogged the content of the paper. I could not help but reflect on how the media has stirred up alot of interest on this issue. True, it is a serious issue that concerns all Kenyans, but does it really deserve all the media attention it gets?

I for one feel that though 4th August will be the day many Kenyans have been dreaming of. However, i stand against the use of media in educating the population on this topic. We are well aware that the media is run by the group of elite, however this doesn't give them the right to use the media to paint their view of reality.

Everyday i go through the newspaper, watch telly or listen to the local radio stations, there is always some advert on the draft constitution. I feel that the power of media has been abused so as to cater for the personal needs of the big shots. The media has begun setting agendas, and not for the right reasons.

Ads on telly, radio and the papers either support or reject the draft constitution, and base it on two aspects; portraying either the negative side of the opposition, or highlighting the positive side of their stand on this contentious issue.

The media highlights these differences mainly to the advantage of the elite, who abuse media by using it as a tool for propaganda. They intelligently frame it so that in co-operates the interest of the people in order to rally support for their hidden motives.

If only there was a media house that would call a spade a spade and kick out the charade that has found its way into making such an important decision. Media houses should emerge truly as the servant to the masses and clearly state the pros and cons of the new constitution. Media ownership is the main reason for such adverts, but that discussion is for another day.

Your views are highly appreciated.