Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola has issued a strong call to the media to exercise responsibility and restraint in reporting, warning that the rapid spread of misinformation is eroding the public’s ability to separate fact from fiction.

Speaking at the World Press Freedom Day forum, Justice Lenaola said that while information now moves faster than ever, the same speed has opened the floodgates for falsehoods, leaving citizens confused about key national issues.

He raised alarm over rising political intolerance fueled by religious and ethnic divisions, noting that these tensions are no longer confined within Kenya but are increasingly spilling into the diaspora.

According to the judge, social media platforms have worsened the situation by amplifying divisions instead of calming them.

In this climate, Lenaola stressed that the media must take an active, not passive, role.

“You play a very important role. As you grow, the country can either progress or regress depending on how information is handled,” he said.

He cautioned that every headline has the power to shape the nation’s direction, urging journalists to go beyond accuracy and consider context, tone, timing, language and audience, especially during politically sensitive periods.

“In times of political tension, restraint is wisdom. Do not bend the truth, but present it in a way that informs without provoking.”

With Kenya edging closer to the next general election, Lenaola revealed that the judiciary is preparing for emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence and the spread of fake news. He noted that judges will undergo specialized training to better handle misinformation, particularly in election-related disputes.

Despite these concerns, he reaffirmed that press freedom remains non-negotiable, describing it as a cornerstone of democracy.

The judge also acknowledged the immense pressure faced by the judiciary during election petitions, emphasizing that difficult decisions must ultimately safeguard national stability.

“As judges, we are often required to make tough calls after elections. Our duty is to ensure the country remains stable regardless of the outcome,” he noted.

Calling for stronger ties between institutions, Lenaola underscored the need for continuous engagement between the judiciary and the media to build trust.

As patron of the Court Reporters Association, he announced plans for an upcoming forum with court reporters aimed at strengthening collaboration and fostering ongoing dialogue.“These engagements must not be one-off events. As a nation, we must build trust through continuous conversation,” he added.