Media stakeholders have been urged to collaborate in addressing injustices against journalists as the country grapples with rising cases of violation of journalists’ rights.
Speakers at this year’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists celebrations organised by the Media Council of Kenya in Kisumu County called for urgent measures to protect journalists in the line of duty.
Kisumu County Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili decried the rising attacks meted out against journalists in their line of duty.
Mr Owili said that journalists and media practitioners across the country have suffered attacks and other forms of impunity from politicians, police and hired gangs.
“Communication equipment is destroyed, and media houses are arbitrarily being shut down. Verbal attacks are on the rise and space for free press is squeezing up every day and impunity is worsening”, said Dr Owili.
He also noted that despite having laws that safeguard freedom of expression and media independence, such laws are yet to be enforced in the country.
He called for collaboration among stakeholders in the media sector to ensure the protection of journalists.
“I want to challenge media players and the Media Council of Kenya to find urgent homegrown solutions to protect our journalists from further harm. Journalists, through their umbrella bodies, should demand an end to impunity in Kenya, Africa and the World. This is because protecting journalists is protecting our rights", he said.
The Principal Secretary in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Prof Edward Kisiang’ani assured journalists of the government’s support in creating a thriving environment for the media.
“The government is the key champion in your practice especially the Ministry of Information Communications and the Digital Economy because it is in our interest that we ensure that the media industry remains vibrant”, said the PS in a speech read on his behalf by Information Secretary Ms Judy Munyinyi.
He underscored the importance of adhering to the provisions of the Kenyan Constitution that speak to freedoms.
“The Kenyan Constitution stands as a testament to the protection of all Kenyans and the freedom of expression, which extends to the freedom of the press. These principles are fundamental and non-negotiable, and it is our collective duty to ensure that they are upheld and defended”, he said.
He added that the government is committed to aligning the laws to cater to the current emerging issues in the media industry.
“We will strengthen legal protections, modernise our laws to adapt to challenges of the digital age, provide comprehensive safety training and support for journalists to secure their well-being in the field and cultivate a culture of respect for journalism and its pivotal role in our society”, said the PS.
Media Council of Kenya CEO Mr David Omwoyo spoke on the violations of journalists' rights terming them as a major drawback to press freedom not only in Kenya but globally.
“Protecting journalists is about people knowing that their actions or inactions are making media worker’s work difficult. We ask those in government, civil society and those in the justice system to ensure that crimes against journalists are punished”, he said.
Media Owners Association Chairperson Agnes Kalekye alluded to the theme of the celebration in comparison to the journalist’ role. She said that theme resonated with the media owners and called for collective responsibility to uphold press freedom and call out those who violate journalists' rights.
Katiba Institute Deputy Executive Director Ms Christine Kuria said the protection of journalists is essential for the realisation of the fundamental rights of freedom under the constitution.
“The safety of journalists and the struggle against the impunity of their tormentors are essential to preserving the fundamental rights of freedom of expression which is an individual right but is also a collective right that empowers the population through facilitating dialogue participation and democracy, making autonomous and sustainable development possible”, she remarked.
Kisumu West Senior Deputy County Commissioner Mr Nalianya Wanyonyi called for a holistic approach in handling cases on impunity against journalists.
“We must ensure that there is fairness in the prosecution of cases involving journalists due to the critical role they play in conveying information”, he added while calling for responsible journalism.
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) Tabitha Ouya affirmed the ODPP support to media work.
She said the ODPP has employed prosecution-guided investigations to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of crimes committed against journalists.
“The Diversion Guidelines of 2019 allow parties to a dispute resolution through an alternative means where journalists may be compensated for acts of vandalism meted against them in the course of duty”, she said.