Safeguarding The Fourth Estate: Putting An End To Attacks On Journalists

NAIROBI, Kenya,  Aug 1, 2022- Journalism has always been a risky profession, with journalists always confronting many dangers in their line of duty.

The risks are even further heightened during an electioneering period in Kenya. 

Unfortunately, the safety of journalists during this period has always been in jeopardy with many recording cases of harassment, arrest, attacks, and even death.

Statistically, journalists in Kenya are most likely to face danger during an electioneering period, with reports showing a significant rise in cases of attacks, harassment, arrests, and even deaths. 

During the 2017 elections in Kenya, more than ten journalists were attacked, and others harassed, with some forced to flee their country due to threats.

To curb these vices, stakeholders in the media industry in Kenya, including the Media council of Kenya, have put in place several measures. 

The Media council of Kenya has developed a framework and guideline to support the safety of journalists during an electioneering period.

 The guideline outlines measures that journalists should take to keep themselves safe during the electioneering period, including carrying and wearing press credentials, carrying and using gas masks, carrying identification documents, among others.

Additionally, the Kenya Union of Journalists has been pushing for the government to enforce the journalists’ safety law, which seeks to protect journalists and their property during their line of duty. 

The law ensures that journalists are not subject to arbitrary arrests, harassment, and intimidation, and it also stipulates that journalists have to be granted access to information.

Another initiative aimed at ensuring journalists’ safety during an election period is the formation of a rapid response team by the Media council of Kenya. 

The team includes journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists who are tasked with responding to cases related to media freedom and safety.

In conclusion, the safety of journalists during an electioneering period in Kenya is paramount, and stakeholders in the media industry have put measures in place to ensure that journalists operate in a safe environment. 

However, more needs to be done to ensure that journalists are protected and not subjected to harassment, attack, or intimidation. 

Media freedom is essential for democracy, and protecting journalists is a critical step towards achieving this.

The writer, Angela Wangechi is a passionate journalist dedicated to uncovering the truth about human rights, security, and governance. With years of experience under her belt, she has a sharp eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to exposing the injustices that often go unnoticed.Whether she is covering protests in the streets or conducting in-depth investigations behind closed doors, she is always on the forefront of the fight for truth and justice.