Cases Of Attacks On Journalists On The Rise Amid COVID-19 Crisis

As Kenya is fighting the Coronavirus, journalists are finding it tough to survive owing to the attacks they risk facing in their line of duty.

In just two months, 22 cases of violations on journalists have been reported in various counties a proof that the career is currently on the line.

According to Article 19, a non-governmental organization that works to protect and defend freedom of expression, the 22 attacks were recorded between March and April this year and they were prevalent in 22 counties.

The data from Article 19 revealed that between May 2019 and April 2020, the number of attacks on journalists increased to 59 from 53 cases recorded the same period the previous year.

The cases of attacks on journalists were high in Nairobi where 13 cases were recorded. Mombasa came second with six cases and Turkana third with four cases. The remaining 19 counties recorded between one to three cases.

Despite all these cases being reported to various police stations in the counties, no serious action has been taken to ensure justice for those violated especially if they involve high profile individuals like state officials.

Only one case out of the 22, that involved a non-State actor has been investigated and the perpetrators taken to court.

“This is a mere one percent rate of effective investigations, suggesting a high level of impunity regarding attacks on journalists. The government must take the necessary steps to ensure that journalists are free to carry out their work,” said Mr. Mugambi Kiai, Article 19’s Eastern Africa regional director.

Article 19 urged the Government to take charge and ensure that journalists are free to carry out their work, without fear or any hindrance.” bring all those responsible to justice. We also urge the police to thoroughly complete all pending investigations of attacks against journalists and ensure that justice is achieved for victims.”

“Failure to bring those responsible for attacks on journalists to account, sends the signal that the media can be silenced through violence, & ultimately lead to journalists’ self-censorship, hampering the realization of the right to freedom of expression.”