Nairobi — Nation Media Group was on Friday honoured by the Martin Luther King Africa Foundation for the lead role it played in promoting peace during the post-election violence period.

Special recognition was given to NTV's Current Affairs Editor Julie Gichuru for her efforts in encouraging Kenyans to embrace change through non-violent means using her insightful stories.

And to this end, she received the 2008 Martin Luther King Salute to Greatness Award, the second highest award being offered by the foundation.

NTV on the other hand was feted for being one of the most consistent channels in the country to devote most of its airtime to encouraging Kenyans to shun violence.

It received the Active Non Violence Award together with another television station - K24.

NTV's Managing Director Mr Conrad Nkutu received the award on behalf of the station.

Others who were feted included former Vice President Mr Moody Awori - who received the Martin Luther King Appreciation Award, Mr Jeff Koinange ( the Martin Luther King - Gandhi non Violence Award) and Dr Patrick Lumumba ( the 2008 Non Violence Award) and the Rev Teresia Wairimu (Africa Peace Prize Honoree).

And while accepting her award, Mrs Gichuru said she could not watch the country fall apart and do nothing about it.

"It appeared as if we lost faith in God at the time and retreated more to our tribal and political affiliations. That is where went wrong and it's a high time we took responsibility for our actions," she said.

NMG's Chief Executive Mr Linus Gitahi it was time for the country to institute reforms that would prevent such crisis from occurring in the country.