- He said it is important for us as a country to have stronger and independent media.
- On Friday, family, officers from International Justice Mission among others converged to commemorate Willie.
Image: FILE
Kenya Editors Guild council member for online Francis Mureithi has reiterated the role of media in the criminal justice processes in the country.
Mureithi who is also the Radio Africa Group Digital editor spoke during the commemoration of Mavoko 3 at the Stanley Hotel.
The event was held in remembrance of the late rights lawyers Willie Kimani, client Josephat Mwenda and Joseph Muiruri who were killed on June 23, 2016.
Mureithi highlighted the role of media in criminal justice processes and the protection of human rights while covering the case for the last seven years.
He said the media followed the case right from the day the three were abducted up to the day of the judgement.
"The media plays a key role when it comes to the criminal justice and especially the Willie case of informing the public and being the link between the state institution and the public," he said.
"The media created an engaged society because of the massive coverage we had in following up on this case."
He said it is important for us as a country to have stronger and independent media.
On Friday, family, officers from International Justice Mission where Willie worked, representatives from human rights organisations, lawyers, prosecutors and police officers who investigated the crime converged to commemorate Willie and share milestones and lessons that they learnt through the 7-year trial that came to an end in early February.
Lawyer Kimani, was murdered while representing Mwenda, a boda boda rider who was pursuing justice after being shot and charged with framed up charges by Officer Leliman.
Speaking at the forum, IJM Africa Europe president Addy Griphins said while the Willie Kimani case was a 7-year-long struggle for justice, for the families, the journey of reflection and healing will last a lifetime.
Andy said the organization recognizes the hard work that was put together by different state agencies who played a part in ensuring a just outcome was achieved.
He said the organization appreciate the police officers who went further to give testimonies in court that helped reach a just conclusion.
"Specifically, I would like to appreciate officers Saidi Kiprotich, Robert Owino, Nicolas Ole Sina, Clement Mwangi, and the team that stood for a just cause during the investigations period, and tirelessly worked behind the scenes to ensure the culprits were arrested and charged.”