News put on the quicksand of sound bites and quick-fixes

Maurice Mwenda in the streets, before he became world-famous, thanks to social media. [Photo: Joseph Mathenge/Standard]

Two events with striking differences dominated news these past two weeks. They illustrate the changing nature of journalism and the complex future ahead.

One, Maurice Mwenda, 15, the new kid on the social media bloc who morphed overnight from a street boy to a newsmaker – quoted on national media advising how to revive the Mumias Sugar and end the endemic corruption. His claim to fame: He can speak English.