Media stakeholders condemn shrinking media space in East Africa

Media stakeholders in Kenya, under the Kenya Media Sector Working Group, have raised alarm over the shrinking media space in the East African region.

The umbrella body has condemned the rising cases of attacks targeting journalists and media houses and is calling on governments to respect press freedom and safeguard media space across the region.

"In the recent past, journalists and media workers in the region have endured a barrage of attacks from state agents, politicians and organized gangs. This dangerous trend must stop now," read part of a statement by the Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Journalists.

The outfit declared that it will not sit back and watch silently as the Fourth Estate is "being dismantled" in East Africa.

"We stand in solidarity with our East African colleagues who are enduring severe oppression, from the recent military-backed siege and closure of NMG outlets in Uganda to the heavy-handed media gags and internet blackouts enforced during the recent elections held in Tanzania," noted AMWIK Executive Director Queenter Mbori.

The Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Journalists noted that Kenya's ranking on the World Press Freedom Index has declined significantly in the recent past. Mr Oduor said the recent attacks on journalists by armed goons paint a grim picture ahead of the country's General Election next year.

The working group has accused the security apparatus of lethargy in dealing with cases where the rights of journalists have been trampled upon.

"There is an undeniable and dangerous increase in goonism across the country, where mobs are deliberately deployed to target frontline journalists, confiscate their equipment and inflict physical harm to prevent the documentation of the truth. We strongly call out the security apparatus for its catastrophic failure to protect citizens and media professionals," Mr Oduor said.

The working group has called on media practitioners across the region to stand their ground and not succumb to intimidation as they carry out their work.

"Without the bravery of journalists who risk their lives on the frontline, society would be kept completely in the dark regarding governance, human rights abuses and systematic failures."

The working group has also demanded compensation for all journalists injured in the course of their duty, particularly during violent demonstrations. Officials want journalists included in the compensation plan currently being undertaken by the government.

The Kenya Union of Journalists noted that only four journalists have been included on the list. The union is calling on all journalists who have been injured or have had their tools of trade destroyed or confiscated to register and be included in the compensation plan.

Among other issues, the working group has demanded immediate accountability from the Inspector General of Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority. It has called for swift action against any officer found to have acted contrary to the law.

Similarly, the group wants the Interior Ministry to issue a public directive criminalizing the targeting of journalists by police officers and hired goons, while providing a framework for protecting media personnel on the frontline.

Officials of the working group insist that media houses are the first line of defence and, as such, owners must prioritize the safety, security and welfare of their employees.