Editors gather in Nakuru to brainstorm on innovative storytelling
The convention is organised by the Kenya Editors Guild
2d agoEMMANUEL WANJALARealtime
The government has committed to guaranteeing the safety of journalists as they carry out their duties.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki affirmed that the safety of journalists is critical, stating that the government believes in the freedom of the media.
“We endeavor to protect it; our Constitution guarantees this freedom, but you expect in any society, occasionally, there will be infractions. The problem is when we do not address those infractions as required,” he said.
The Deputy President made the remarks on Friday at the Kenya Editors Guild Annual Convention 2024 held at a Nakuru hotel.
Kindiki regretted the incident where a journalist in Nakuru was
shot by police during anti-government protests.
Police shot and injured Kameme TV Journalist Catherine Wanjeri along Kenyatta Avenue in Nakuru City during the Gen Z protests.
Journalists present at the scene said the police shot at Wanjeri as she scampered for safety when they lobbed teargas canisters at protestors.
Kindiki promised to follow up on the matter with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.
“We have had leadership transition, and we have a new IPOA team coming in. I will be following up on where we are, and I want to undertake that we will ensure justice is served. We will establish who did this and bring that person to account,” he promised.
The Deputy President further called for enhanced ties between the government and media.
“I see no reason why we should not have an avenue of talking to each other. In all government officers, there are some of you. One of you works in my office, and he is known to many of you,” he said.
“We equally agree with you on the need for us as a country governed by the rule of law and constitutional order.”
Kindiki further committed that the government will obey court orders.
“We will respect what the courts have said on the relationship between the Communications Authority and Media Council of Kenya. There should be no doubt or debate because we are a country governed by the rule of law," he added.
The High Court recently declared a section of the Kenya Information and Communications Act unconstitutional, effectively curtailing the Communication Authority of Kenya’s (CA) power to set media standards.
