The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and media stakeholders have called for the prosecution of perpetrators of violations against journalists.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo says the critical role of media in society is constantly under threat from attacks against journalists, which he said go unpunished.
He underscored the need to seek justice whenever journalists’ rights are violated.
“We gather here today to commemorate and demand justice for journalists whose rights have been violated in the course of duty. As a country, we must find a way of holding people to account, lack of which will cause journalists to continue suffering”, said Mr Omwoyo when he led celebrations for this year’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in Nakuru.
He called for collective efforts by both duty bearers and the media industry in promoting the safety of journalists, noting the significant risks journalists encounter while covering emergencies and high-stakes events.
Mr Omwoyo pledged the Council’s continued commitment to support the safety and protection of journalists and urged them to uphold journalistic ethics.
“The Council documents and follows up on the cases as we believe that justice will be served. We urge the two critical players, the public justice system and security agencies to act their part by ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted to deter others from violating journalists’ rights”, he said.
Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Journalists Eric Oduor urged media houses to prioritise the safety of their staff, saying majority were working under harsh circumstances.
He listed political, institutional, and economic threats as well as gender-based violence and poor and delayed remuneration of newsroom staff as a major crimes against journalists.
“Editors concentrate more on content other than the reporters being sent to cover the story. The safety of journalists becomes the responsibility of their support groups. Journalists have the role of communicating with their newsrooms to ensure their safety at all times”, said Mr Oduor
He argued that journalists need to register as members of media interest groups, saying they are critical in pushing for their welfare and professionalism.
Mr Oduor decried institutional weaknesses in protecting journalists, saying there is a need to strengthen the institutions backed up by sound existing laws.
He called for the strengthening of legislative framework to enhance the fight against violation of journalist’s rights.
“We all have roles and responsibilities to protect and prevent crimes against the media in our different capacities in the media space”, said the KUJ Secretary General.
Kenya Editors’ Guild President Zubeida Kananu called for prosecution of aggressors against journalists.
“ We must demand accountability and justice for crimes against journalists attacked in the line of duty. Violence will not be tolerated and those found responsible must be prosecuted “, she said.
She said many journalists shy away from reporting cases of violation due to fear of victimisation.
“This is the hard evidence needed in court to facilitate prosecution of such cases”, she said.
She lamented the effects of unresolved violations against journalists, pointing out the rise in mental health issues among journalists due to the societal pressures brought by the job.
She urged media organisations to prioritise employee safety prioritising by their mental health wellness.
Media Complaints Commission Chairman Demas Kiprono termed journalists as the propellors of democratic freedoms, while alluding to the role played by journalists in advocating for democratic rights and reporting on sensitive happenings.
“On this day, we take stock and advocate for justice for journalists. All the democratic freedoms enjoyed in the country can be attributed to the journalists”, he said.
He said that the Complaints Commission will expedite cases of violations against journalists to ensure justice is served.
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI), observed annually on November 2nd, is a crucial day to among others, highlight the dangers faced by journalists, demand for justice and accountability, promoting a safer environment for journalism, upholding freedom of expression and honouring journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.