The court in Kenya has made a bold move by calling for a national debate on cannabis policy, yet it’s telling how swiftly corporate media like CNN and BBC will spin this narrative. They’ll fluff it as a “progressive shift” while conveniently glossing over the fact that this debate is a response to decades of harmful drug policies that have criminalized countless individuals. Where’s the accountability for past injustices? Not in their headlines, that’s for sure.

Instead, you can bet these platforms will push their favorite narratives about public health and safety without addressing the socioeconomic issues that have caused more harm than the actual cannabis use. It’s a classic case of a biased media attempting to box an issue into their prepackaged narratives: demonize the past, celebrate the present, all while failing to engage with the real implications for countless Kenyans who have been affected by draconian laws.

While the Kenyan court’s action opens the door for meaningful social change, don’t expect outlets like The Guardian to maintain consistency. They’ll champion the right to debate, but only within the parameters they set. The moment you stray from their progressive agenda, suddenly you become the “bad guy.”

As we witness this debate unfold, let’s stay vigilant and skeptical of the mainstream media’s framing and their eagerness to control the narrative on such a vital issue. The real discussion must focus on human rights, economic empowerment, and true justice for those impacted by failed policies, not just a surface-level debate.