Kenya

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Kenyan Parliament urged to reverse new media law New measures would give government ‘alarming’ power over journalists and news organisations VIENNA, Jan 9 2014 – The International Press Institute (IPI) today expressed serious concern about media legislation signed into law last month by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta that would create a […]

ARTICLE 19 is concerned about the new media landscape in Kenya following the passage of two laws by the National Assembly on 5 December 2013. The effect of these laws is seriously damaging for the media and the right to freedom of expression, as the changes introduce undue state interference in media regulation.

The Information and Communications Bill would impose fines of up to US $235,000 on media groups who breach a code of conduct, while the Media Council Bill would allow content to be banned if it is considered “prejudicial to public or national interest.”

Dickson Bogonko Bosire has been missing since 18 September. His news blog, Jackal News covers stories ranging from corruption investigations to the most salacious scandals, which have got him into hot water with politicians and businessmen.

Attacks and threats against human rights defenders are on the rise in Kenya. Harassment of people perceived to support the International Criminal Court cases against President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto has been particularly acute.

Robert Wanyoni received death threats twice last week following his coverage of wrongdoing at a hospital in the western Kenyan town of Bungoma, according to the journalist and news reports.

Boniface Mwangi, founder of Picha Mtaani, the first-ever street exhibition in Kenya, speaks with Index on Censorship’s Julia Farrington about freedom of expression, art and activism.

Human Rights Watch interviewed witnesses, civil society leaders, and government officials about police shootings that occurred in the wake of demonstrations against the Kenyan Supreme Court ruling on March 30 upholding President Uhuru Kenyatta’s election victory.

ARTICLE 19 welcomes a High Court decision that citizens have the right to access the information held by public and state owned corporations, but is highly concerned by the court’s continued narrow interpretation of “citizens” that would prevent NGOs, media organisations, and informal associations from making requests.

Two investigative journalists have reported receiving death threats in Kenya shortly after airing a story suggesting foul play in a government official’s death, according to news reports and local journalists.

ARTICLE 19 calls on the government to lift a ban on a play about power and inequality among ethnic groups in the country. The Ministry of Education’s National Drama Committee has prohibited the Butere Girls High School from performing “Shackles of Doom”.

Bernard Wesonga was found dead on 31 March. Wesonga had told friends he had received anonymous threats via text message in connection with a story that described allegations of the unlawful shipment and sale of fertilizer, journalists said.

To mark World Water Day, ARTICLE 19 and the Water Services Regulatory Board held a roundtable discussion in Mombasa. Key issues raised included the lack of information about water connections and how often and for how long water would be available.

In an open letter to the media and state representatives of Kenya, the International Press Institute’s Executive Director stresses that security services and political parties must ensure journalists’ safety on election day.

ARTICLE 19 welcomes a comprehensive law on internal displacement in Kenya that includes vital provisions to secure the participation of displaced people in decision-making that affects them.

There has been an increasing level of violence against journalists ahead of Kenya’s national elections in March 2013. A series of threats and attacks have been reported this month, including assaults by security officers and members of the public towards journalists who are covering political events.