43 journalists were subjected to harassment during polls, MCK says

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) identified twelve incidents where at least 43 journalists from different media outlets were subjected to various forms of harassment during the just concluded elections.

Through a statement, MCK also observed increased cases of press freedom violations including denial to access voting areas, critical information from relevant public bodies, profiling of journalists and media outlets, online trolling of journalists and media outlets and in some cases physical attacks on journalists.

“Majority of these (37) involved in incidents that denied them an opportunity to easily access their designated polling and tallying centre while the others included arrest, threats and harassment,” the statement read.

A further issue that hindered efficient news gathering was gaps in the logistical and social support that employers provided for journalists, particularly in the counties.

“Media allocation of space and time continued to be guided/based on many factors and improved towards the voting day. Some members of the public had raised concerns over alleged media bias. However, MCK observed attempts toward fair and balanced coverage, especially among leading media houses,” it stated.

Over 11,000 local and foreign journalists and media professionals had already been accredited to cover the elections across the nation.

MCK implores the police to hasten their inquiries and apprehend the offenders.

Further, issues that hindered efficient news gathering was gaps in the logistical and social support that employers provided for journalists, particularly in the counties.

The Council established eight media centres across the nation where it gave media professionals a comfortable working space as well as technological and logistical support.

Regarding information integrity, the Council observes the dissemination of propaganda and disinformation during the elections and afterward, particularly on digital media.

Future improved cooperation between media outlets will result in better dissemination of information on issues of public importance, particularly information that is not solely available to individual media outlets.