Veteran journalist John-Allan Namu has condemned sustained attacks against him and other journalists.
On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Namu’s phone number, together with Mashirima Kapombe and Mark Masai’s, was leaked to the public, and Namu said that he had instead received encouraging messages from the members of the public.
“Today, I want to express my gratitude for the many messages I’ve received, which indicate that a large number of you recognize the vile attempt to discredit my work. Thank you all.
“You have upheld our work as a beacon, corrected us when we were wrong, and now you stand with us. However, this fight is about more than just our credibility; it is about everyone’s voices,” Namu said in a statement released on Friday, July 19, 2024.
The scribe also said that he faces numerous cases that he believes are meant to silence those who are known government critics.
“We are also facing nefarious onslaughts in the courts via SLAPP suits, i.e., legal action filed by an individual or organization primarily to intimidate, silence, or censor critics by burdening them with the cost and effort of a legal defense,” the statement added.
Attack on journalists
He also condemned abductions, especially of journalists, and explained the need to have a vibrant media operating with freedom.
“The situation has now escalated to include the abductions of journalists. Media freedom is the lifeblood through which journalism flourishes, but it is not a privilege only for journalists. Over the past month, we’ve witnessed numerous arbitrary arrests and abductions of Kenyans who have chosen to use their voices.
“Even more grim is that some of those who have disappeared for exercising their rights have been found murdered.
“If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live in a time when your freedoms were at stake, wonder no more. I stand by our and our professional colleagues’ right to report and enjoy the freedoms guaranteed by our constitution to the fullest extent, in line with our code of ethics. We stand by your right to use your voices in the same way,” the statement continued.
Namu’s statement comes after the abduction and subsequent release of another veteran journalist, Macharia Gaitho, and the shooting of Kameme TV and reporter Catherine Wanjeri.
The abductions have intensified following the widespread protests led by Gen Z.