John-Allan Namu addresses reports of being funded by the Ford Foundation

On July 19, 2024, he issued another statement defending his relationship with the Ford Foundation.

He also condemned the attacks being projected on several media houses in Kenya over their coverage of the Gen Z protests.

The Africa Uncensored CEO added that he is grateful for the support he is getting from his fans online.

Here is John-Allan Namu’s statement

“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 the work of Africa Uncensored. 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.

Royal Media Services’ flagship television station Citizen Television is currently facing another coordinated disinformation campaign.

Previously, The Nation Media Group and Standard Media Group have faced similar attacks. I’ve added links to some of our reports on these campaigns in the thread below. 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 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. We at Africa Uncensored 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.

JOHN-ALLAN NAMU

CEO, AFRICA UNCENSORED FRIDAY, 19TH JULY 2024.