Kenyan John-Allan Namu named CNN Multichoice African Journalist 2009

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John-Allan Namu, from Kenya, has been awarded the top prize at this year's CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2009 Awards Ceremony. John-Allan, reporter for Kenya Television Network, won for his stories 'In the shadow of the Mungiki' and 'Inside Story: Scars and Sufurias', which were chosen from among 1665 entries from 38 nations across the African continent. John-Allan was one of 25 finalists at the Awards ceremony on Saturday evening and was a winner in two categories, the Television News Award and Television Features Award. This is a first in the history of the competition. The Awards, which rotate location each year in tribute to their pan-African credentials, returned to South Africa in 2009 and were held at a Gala ceremony hosted by CNN and MultiChoice at The International Convention Centre, Durban , Saturday 18th July. Tony Maddox, Managing Director, CNN International and Nolo Letele, CEO, MultiChoice South Africa, presented John-Allan with the Award. John-Allan Namu said: "I feel immensely honoured. I never thought this would happen. This goes to show anyone from any walk of life can stand amongst giants". Chairperson of the judging panel, Azubuike Ishiekwene, Executive Director, Punch Nigeria Limited said: "The reporter went beyond the surface, stripped the stereotype and combined sound, images and research to bring new insight and meaning to the story. It's an excellent example of the kind of journalism that the continent badly needs". Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International, said: "Tonight's journalists join an ever-increasing number of professionals recognised by their peers over the last fourteen years. They have become part of a community of excellence, representing the very best in African journalism and maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity." Nolo Letele, CEO MultiChoice South Africa Group, said: "Congratulations to John-Allan, a worthy winner and a wonderful example to his peers and young journalists entering the industry. Being awarded the prestigious 2009 African Journalist of the Year, is confirmation of excelling in a highly competitive environment. Well done to all the finalists and category winners. Continue to tell the remarkable stories of this wonderful vibrant continent." The evening also recognised Nicaise Kibel'bel Oka of Les Coulisses, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, as this year's recipient of the Free Press Africa Award, who represents the journalists in the Eastern DRC, and accepts the Award on their behalf, including three who have lost their lives in recent years, Pascal Kabungulu, Serge Maheshe and Didace Namujimbo. Source: CNN.com