KEG, a professional body for editors in Kenya, noted that it received concerning information on intimidation and threats against journalists
The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) on Thursday, July 18 demanded that the government offer heightened security to journalists working for the Royal Media Services (RMS) which owns Citizen TV. This is after reports surfaced on social media that unknown individuals were planning to ‘occupy’ the media house.
In a statement, the KEG, a professional body for editors in Kenya, noted that it received concerning information on intimidation and threats against journalists, with those at RMS being targeted especially while working for the country’s biggest TV station.
“The threats are directed specifically at journalists working for the Royal Media Services, through fliers that are being shared on social media.
“We take seriously the safety of journalists, specifically during this season of protests where law enforcers have directly targeted scribes at work,” the statement read in part.
Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) President Zubeida Kananu Koome speaking on February 16, 2024. /ZUBEIDA KANANU
KEG condemned the threats being peddled on social media by anonymous individuals, who also threatened to storm the media house.
“We would like to condemn the continued attacks on journalists being targeted for their work or in the line of duty. Of particular concern is the growing spate of assaults perpetrated by officers of the National Police Service, the very organ mandated by law to ensure safety and security for all in Kenya,” the statement added.
“It is not the first time such attacks against media houses or individual journalists by state or non-state actors are being witnessed.”
The editors termed the attacks an assault against constitutional guarantees of media freedom, perpetrated by the presumed guardians of law and order.
The Bill of Rights in the Constitution of Kenya is explicit on the entrenched right of the media to operate without hindrance, along with rights to freedom of expression and the right to receive and impart information granted to all in Kenya.
According to the editors, Article 34 (2) makes it clear that the State shall not interfere with any person engaged in broadcasting, production or circulation of any publication or the dissemination of information by any medium; or penalize any person for any opinion or view or the content of any broadcast or publication.
“In view of the continued threats that undermine the safety of journalists, we hereby demand that the government offers protection for the media houses and specifically for the media house being targeted,” the editors told the security agencies concerned.
Many other voices in the media space have continued to condemn instances of attacks on journalists, particularly during coverage of the anti-government protests.
The Media Owners Association (MOA), while raising the alarm over the increasing trend, called on the government to investigate the incidents and take action against the perpetrators including police officers. Some of the cases that were highlighted were the shooting of Mediamax journalist Catherine Wanjeri wa Kariuki and the arrest of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho.
Furthermore, the owners also demanded the government to guarantee the safety of journalists and protesters exercising their constitutional rights on protests.
“We hereby call on the government to uphold the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and press freedom,” read the statement in part.
“We also call on the government to collaborate with media stakeholders to create an enabling environment for journalists to carry out their duties without fear of reprisals.”
A group of Kenyan journalists covering a past event. /KENYA UNION OF JOURNALISTS