There is need for concerted effort towards ending impunity of crimes against Journalists.
Kenya Editors’ Guild President Ms Zubeidah Kananu says the responsibility cannot be left to one Institution, but calls for collectiveness.
Ms Kananu who spoke in Nakuru on Friday November 1, 2024 during commemoration of International Day to end impunity for crimes against Journalists, cited scenarios where Journalists have continued to receive threats while playing their duties.
While pointing out the recent cases during the Gen Z’s-led demonstrations, she stated that there were targeted attacks on Journalists with Nakuru recording one case where a female Journalist with Mediamax Ltd was shot by Police.
This even as statistics indicate that over 20,000Journalists were attacked during the Gen Z demonstrations.
She reiterated the need for collective responsibility towards ensuring an end to such impunity for crimes against Journalists.
“Many Journalists were attacked or assaulted by security team but we have tried to follow up with the cases to ensure justice but there is impunity in ensuring justice for colleagues. We want to call on Government, civil society and other stakeholders to come on board and ensure end to impunity for crimes against Journalists,” she stated.
The KEG President also faulting some Media Houses for not paying their employees.
She noted that such has seen Journalists undergo mental health issues leading to cases such as attempted suicides.
“When you work without pay, then it leads to mental health issues among Journalists due to the pressure in society,” she stated.
Ms Kananu urged Media Houses to also ensure safety of Journalists.
Sentiments echoed by Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Mr. David Omwoyo.
The MCK noted that following up with cases of harassment against Journalists has remained a challenge especially when the perpetrators are the ones to ensure justice.
“We will always try to follow up with these cases, but then the problem remains that majority of perpetrators are the ones in charge of ensuring justice,” he said.
Mr. Omwoyo however urged Journalists to remain resilient.
On his part MCK’s Director Media Training and Development Mr. Victor Bwire challenged Journalists to always strive to be empowered especially on their rights.
In cases of Journalists being harassed and their cases taken to court, he urged Journalists to always show up as witnesses towards ensuring justice.
“We are aware that prosecution of cases touching on Journalists being harassed, there is still a challenge because witnesses don’t show or others are pulling out of cases,” stated Bwire.
This even as Journalists who are yet to join Kenya Union of Journalists were urged to join.
Secretary General KUJ Mr. Eric Oduor stated that joining the Union will help especially when helping address some of the cases of impunity for crimes against Journalists.
“We have many Journalists but majority are not members of KUJ and therefore it becomes difficult to assist them when they are in trouble,” said Oduor.
On the issue of Journalists working with no pay, the KUJ SG pointed out that there is no need for a Media House to operate and yet not pay employees.
Such Media Houses, he said have no business but to shut down.
“We have to look at internal threats too where Journalists are working but with no pay leading to serious threats against Journalists. Media Houses should pay Journalists or if they cannot then they have no business but should shut down,” he stated.
The meeting was also graced by Nakuru West Deputy County Commissioner Omar Ali who represented the County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara.
The County Commissioner reiterated that Media should not be branded as anti-government, but should play their role as per the law.
He assured that Security team shall continue to work closely with Journalists towards a better society.
“We shall continue to support media and appropriate action should be taken against those attacking Journalists. Code of ethics is key in all that Journalists do,” he stated.
The Media Council of Kenya organized the meeting to join the world in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI) 2024.
This year’s event is celebrated under the theme ‘Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies’.
The theme aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, highlighting the importance of peaceful and inclusive societies, universal access to justice, and the creation of effective, accountable institutions.
This year, the country has reported a surge in press freedom violation cases against journalists which goes against the United Nations protocols for journalists’rights and privileges.
The repercussions of such violations greatly impact the country’s World Press Freedom Index.
The meeting also presented an opportunity for representatives from government, civil society, academia, development partners, and the media to discuss the causes and devise appropriate measures and probable
solutions aimed at enhancing journalists’ safety while providing them with a conducive working environment to perform their duties.
The panelists included Mr. Joseph Omondi(Executive Director MIDRIFT HURINET), Ms Angela Muchai(Ag. Director, Information and Communication Kenya National Commission for UNESCO(KNATCOM), Mr. Joseph Muraya(SG Emeritus/Member, Crime Journalists Association Kenya), Ms Dinnah Ondari(Manager Press Freedom, Safety &Advocacy MCK), Ms Gladys Kinyua(Editor Radio Osotwa), Dr. Titus On serious(Lecture, Communication and Media Egerton University), and Mr. Steve Lelei.
The second Panelists included Mr. Vincent Monday(Head of the Mutual Legal Assistance Division, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutios), Mr. Elema Halake from IPOA), Ms Wanjeri Kariuki(Reporter Mediamax), and Ms Queenter Mbori(Executive Director AMWIK).
