Kenyan journalists rallied against what they describe as a heavy-handed government crackdown on media freedoms on Wednesday across the country.
The demonstrations, marked by peaceful marches and poignant placards – “Journalists’ lives matter”, “Shoot not the messenger” and “End the brutality” came in response to escalating attacks on journalists covering the country’s recent unrest against the Finance Bill 2024.
Since the onset of anti-government protests in June, media personnel have faced a barrage of violence, including shootings, tear gassing, destruction of equipment, profiling and physical assaults.
These incidents, coupled with government directives restricting live broadcasts and alleged threats against media houses, have ignited widespread concern over the erosion of press freedom.
Journalists’ demands include an immediate end to police brutality, accountability for perpetrators of violence against media workers, and assurances of safety for those working in the field.
“We are asking for protection from the police and for them to stop shooting and attacking journalists with a lot of excessive force,” said Erick Oduor, secretary general of the Kenya Union of Journalists.
“I call for the accountability and prosecution of rogue police officers responsible for these crimes against journalists and innocent protestors.”
They have also called for the withdrawal of threats against media houses and the reinstatement of media independence, particularly about government advertising.
“I call for assurances that the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy will cease interfering with the independence of media institutions,” said Kenya Editor’s Guild president Zubeida Kananu.
The protests were held in Coastal, Nyanza, Western, Mt Kenya and Rift Valley regions.
The protests underscore a growing rift between the government and the media, a situation that has further eroded public trust in the security forces.
With Kenya historically regarded as a beacon of democracy in the region, the current climate represents a significant setback for press freedom.
The 2024 Global Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), found that Kenya continues to decline for the second year in a row, appearing in position 102 out of 180 countries. The country was at position 116 in 2023.
Kenya’s 2010 Constitution has been lauded for its progressive stance on freedom of expression, media freedom, and access to information (Articles 33, 34, and 35 respectively). However, the report suggests that celebrating these legal protections may be premature.
Despite the constitutional guarantees, numerous laws and regulations (around 20) restrict press freedom. For instance, the 2018 Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act carries harsh penalties (up to 10 years imprisonment and hefty fines) for spreading “fake news” that could incite violence.
Additionally, accessing public information remains difficult despite a law supposedly guaranteeing it.
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