Kenya Editors’ Guild calls for immediate Gov’t protection of journalists
The Kenya Editors’ Guild has expressed deep concern over reports of intimidation and threats against journalists, specifically those working for Royal Media Services.
“These threats, disseminated through fliers on social media, are particularly alarming during a period of protests where law enforcers have directly targeted journalists at work.”
President of the Kenya Editors’ Guild, Zubeidah Kananu, strongly condemned the threats being circulated by anonymous individuals, who have also threatened to storm the media house.
She emphasized that the safety of journalists is paramount and that such threats are unacceptable.
Kananu condemned the ongoing attacks on journalists, particularly those targeted for their work or while on duty.
She highlighted the troubling increase in assaults perpetrated by officers of the National Police Service, an institution mandated to ensure the safety and security of all Kenyans.
She noted that this is not the first instance of attacks against media houses or individual journalists by state or non-state actors.
Kananu stressed that these assaults are an affront to the constitutional guarantees of media freedom.
She cited the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of Kenya, which explicitly protects the media’s right to operate without interference, as well as the rights to freedom of expression and the right to receive and impart information.
“Article 34(2) clearly stipulates that the State shall not interfere with individuals engaged in broadcasting, production, or circulation of publications, nor shall it penalize anyone for their opinions, views, or the content of any broadcast or publication.”
In light of the ongoing threats undermining the safety of journalists, Kananu called on the government to protect all media houses, with immediate attention to the media houses currently under threat.
She reiterated that the safety of journalists and the freedom of the press are essential to a democratic and informed society.
