The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists has brought together stakeholders in the country’s media industry to review the United Nations (UN) 10-year action plans for safety of journalists worldwide.
In the marking of this day, the death of the Pakistani journalist Arshad Shariff in the country took the centre stage with media bodies calling on authorities to speed up investigations which they say is a manifestation of impunity in the country.
“The Kenya police came out and owned up that it was their bullet that took the life of this comrade. We ask authorities to give us the report of the investigations,” Kenya Editors Guild President, Churchill Otieno said.
The stakeholder commended the media for the seamless coverage of the recently concluded general elections.
“The media tried to ensure that there was no vacuum in the general election coverage and that is something we can celebrate,” said Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General, Eric Oduor.
“Kenya has moved up from number 102 to 69 in the world press freedom ranking, “he added
In addition, the issue on crime against journalists was mentioned including sexual harassment in the newsrooms, economic crimes and attack on journalists by politicians and their goons during the election period.
Cabinet Secretary for Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Eliud Owalo said that his ministry and the entire government by extension will ensure the safety of journalists.
“We are saddened that journalists are harmed by the same people who are supposed to ensure their safety. We as the Kenya Kwanza government will ensure that media freedom is upheld. We don’t believe in media gagging and censorship. My ministry and by extension of the government will continue to defend media freedom and other liberties,” Owalo said.
He also called on the media to weed out rogue individuals in the industry involved in gender based violence and other impunities.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) represented by Jecinta Nyamusi told journalists to avoid sensational reporting and misinformation that may lead to obstruction of justice, while promising journalists of their safety and security as provided by the law.
Superintendent of Police and Head of Public Information at the National Police Service (NPS) Jared Ojuok called for sensitisation of journalist in reporting impunity.
“There is need for enhanced sensitisation of journalists on their role in reporting acts of impunity for crimes against them. The police and media are like the two sides of a coin,” said Ojuok.
The international day is marked every 2nd November by UN.
