As the world marked World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Kenyan media stakeholders raised alarm over the deteriorating state of press freedom in the country.
Media leaders from across the sector decried a growing erosion of the fundamental right to free expression, warning that journalists and storytellers are increasingly being placed in harm’s way.
Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeidah Kananu condemned what she described as state-instigated repression, citing a series of recent incidents involving the assault, detention, destruction of equipment, abductions, and online harassment of journalists.
“Increasing calls to regulate digital spaces often stem from concerns about misinformation and hate speech. But Kenya already has laws—such as the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act—to address these issues without violating constitutional freedoms,” Kananu said.
“What we need is not more restrictions but better enforcement, greater transparency, and stronger digital literacy,” she added.
Professor George Nyabuga of Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media and Communication echoed the concerns, pointing out that threats to journalism are not confined to Kenya. “Even the United States has recently barred some journalists from the White House,” he said, adding that in Gaza, media workers have been killed for reporting on atrocities.
“Media students are observing these dangers and are growing cautious about joining the profession. But we must continue documenting abuses and resist any attempts by the state to control digital platforms,” he said. Nyabuga also called for fair compensation for journalists as a means to preserve editorial independence.
William Oloo Janak, Director of Programs at the Kenya Correspondents Association, condemned the recent suppression of a BBC documentary on police violence during the anti-finance bill protests aired on June 25, 2023.
“This act of censorship sends a chilling message to other broadcasters—that they too will be targeted if they air sensitive content,” he warned. Oloo urged media houses to work more closely together and strengthen partnerships with civil society and international allies to protect press freedom.
One of the most harrowing incidents highlighted occurred on July 16, 2024, during protests against the controversial finance bill in Nakuru. Kameme TV and FM presenter Wanjeri Kariuki was shot in the leg by a police officer while covering the demonstrations.
Wanjeri recalled arriving at work late that day and heading with colleagues to Kenyatta Avenue to cover what had become a subdued protest. “We were standing near the police when, around 3:30 p.m., shots rang out and teargas was fired. It was as if the police themselves were protesting,” she said.
Initially believing she had been hit by a teargas canister, Wanjeri soon realized the severity of her injuries. “When I saw blood and holes in my leg, I panicked,” she said. She was rushed to hospital on a boda boda. Just days earlier, the same leg had been struck by a teargas canister—a hit she now believes was a warning.
“Now I know—it wasn’t an accident. They were targeting us,” she said. She continues to suffer from numbness and psychological trauma. “I’ll never cover protests again,” she added. “The government must restore media freedom. Our employers must support us, and media houses need to follow up when journalists are attacked.”
Meanwhile, a fresh wave of public outrage followed the arrest of Kitui-based blogger Emmanuel Maleve.
Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested Maleve outside a shopping mall in Kitui town and transferred him to Muthaiga Police Station in Nairobi for questioning.
His lawyer, Noel Musya, said Maleve was accused of publishing false information on the news platform Hopkin Digital. The contested article alleged that Kitui MP Rachael Kaki was involved in a Ksh. 26.7 million bursary scandal.
