Lobby tells State to stop harassing media

Media practitioners have told the government to stop harassing journalists working to inform the public.

Under the umbrella of Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) the practitioners challenged authorities to expedite investigations into atrocities meted out by police on journalists while in the line of duty.  

Following the anti-government protests, several journalists have either been harassed, arrested or injured by anti-riot police.

The media professional and human rights lobby groups, while demanding action, cited the latest shooting of Kameme FM and TV reporter Catherine Wanjeri and the abduction of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho as examples of brutality committed by police.

Wanjeri was covering the demonstrations in Nakuru town on Tuesday when she was shot four times by police officers. Gaitho was abducted on Wednesday inside Karen Police Station where he had sought refuge after noticing he was being trailed.

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin later apologised, describing the arrest as a case of mistaken identity.

But Friday, Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), and Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) accused the State of targeting journalists with the intent of stopping them from doing their work.

They announced street protests next Wednesday if no action is taken against the officers who abducted Gaitho and those who shot Wanjeri. 

During a press conference, KEG president Zubeida Kananu highlighted a series of actions that seem designed to intimidate journalists and restrict the flow of information to the public.

“Personal phone numbers of numerous journalists, including mine, were maliciously posted online in what appears to be a clear attempt to silence and intimidate members of the press,” she said.

The KEG president said the censorship by government agencies and political wheeler-dealers would make it easier to suppress the truth.

“This act of intimidation is unacceptable, but let me assure you that we will not be cowed. Our resolve to uphold the principles of a free press and the right to information remains unwavering,” stated Kananu. 

KUJ Secretary-General Eric Oduor cautioned the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) against trying to enforce outdated laws, which he argued are incompatible with Kenya’s current Constitution.

Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo defended the media, insisting that the public has a right to information and it is the duty of the media to provide it without facing harassment.