The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged security teams to collaborate with the media to uphold safety and protection.
MCK Director for Media Training and Development Mr Victor Bwire said journalists have rights and privileges that must always be upheld. He assured the police officers that media is not a rogue industry, it has regulations that guide its operations.
“Media freedom and access to information are enshrined in the constitution. However, there are limits. For instance, press freedom has limitations on matters national security and public morality that journalists must adhere to the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya”, he said during engagements with security teams and religious leaders in Kirinyaga County.
Mr Bwire stated that police officers infringe on rights of journalists when they arrest or stop them from covering a story. He also mentioned when it is justifiable, officers can arrest and charge journalists in the court of law or report to the MCK if there is an offence committed instead of violating their rights.
“Journalists have rights and privileges according to the International Declaration of the Protection of Journalists. Police officers need to protect journalists covering stories in hostile environments”, said Mr Bwire.
He highlighted the need for journalists to have authentic MCK press cards that police officers can use to verify journalists’ accreditation status.
“During elections, journalists must present to security officers their press cards and the IEBC accreditation cards to grant them access to various aspects of the elections”, he said.
Kirinyaga County Commissioner Mr Moses Ivuto said the county security personnel have made strides in enhancing relations with journalists and the media.
“In Kirinyaga we work closely with the media because we know the role of journalists and their responsibility to the society and therefore, we are ready and committed to protect them”, he said.
Mr Ivuto called on journalists to remain professional, to adhere to balanced reporting and maintain objectivity during the election period.
“This conversation has come at a very crucial time because media plays a big role in informing and shaping people’s opinions. Therefore, we must think beyond exercising our democratic rights and ensure that everything we do will keep our country safe. Journalists are also our sons and daughters so we should treat them fairly”, he added.
MCK Manager for Press Freedom Safety and Advocacy Ms Dinnah Ondari urged the security agencies to assist journalists by providing them with information to cover their stories.
“Journalists have the right to access information, publish or air the information in their possession provided it is truthful. Therefore, they should not be denied information when they come to you’’, said Ms Ondari.
The security officers called on journalists and the media to be fair and report when rights of police have been violated.
“At times the media can be unfair to us, leading to strained relations with journalists. Journalists seem to focus on the bad and ignore the good which creates hostility between us. The media should remain focused and report when the rights of police are violated, so that they can feel they’re also respected”, one of the participating officers said.