U.S. acting ambassador to Kenya Marc Dillard condemned attempts by senior government officials to silence or censor journalists.
Dillard, in a brief statement on Saturday, May 3, underscored the significance of journalists in a democratic society.
According to Dillard, by holding those in power accountable for their actions, journalists play a vital role in protecting a country’s democracy.
He noted that while journalists often highlight leaders negatively, their freedom was significant as they act as a crucial link between citizens and the government.
“By asking questions and holding those in power accountable, journalists play a vital role in protecting democracy.
Sometimes the media’s work makes officials, including me, uncomfortable, but even with that, I know their work isn’t invaluable,” Dillard stated.
“We oppose efforts to silence or censor journalists. And this World Press Freedom Day, as journalists face censorship and threats, the US embassy celebrates the value of a free press that tells the truth boldly,” he added.
While celebrating the World Press Freedom Day, which is held on May 3 of every year, Dillard expressed the US government’s commitment to upholding the rights and freedom of the press.
Dillard’s sentiments come at a time when Kenyan journalists are facing several challenges, including harassment and intimidation, despite Constitutional protection of their rights.
The harassment and intimidation often come in various forms, including physical attacks, particularly by rogue police officers, online threats, and legal action.
For instance, on April 10, more than six journalists were allegedly attacked and assaulted by the police while covering the arrest of former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala in Nakuru County.
The latest incident was the rest of the four filmmakers linked to a production of a music video in Nairobi.
The four were arrested at their studio in Karen on the night of Friday, May 2, and booked in various police stations within Nairobi.
Insiders said the music video was set for launch on Monday May 5 when police struck.
The said video is on a satirical funeral which some see as politically motivated to attack some leaders.
“They were arrested because of that video that was to launch on Monday and which shows people celebrating at a funeral which is political in nature and which I don’t see as criminal,” said an official aware of the issue.
Those involved in the production of the BBC’s documentary Blood Parliament have denied the four were involved in the process.
A statement from the BBC Press Office, however, stated that the four filmmakers were not involved in the making of the exposé.
“We have been made aware of the arrest of four journalists in Kenya.
To confirm, they were not involved in any way in the making of BBC Africa Eye’s Blood Parliament documentary,” the statement read in part.
Kenyan activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi also clarified that the four filmmakers work in his organisation, Sema Ukweli.
“They are my colleagues at Sema Ukweli and their arrest is worrying because they were not involved in the production of Blood Parliament.
Some of the things confiscated belong to our organisation and it’s concerning that our government is afraid of the truth,” Mwangi posted on Instagram.
“There’s nothing wrong with Blood Parliament. What they should do is investigate the killer cops who murdered innocent young people.”
Police released the four film makers who had been arrested over claims of false publication without any charges.
Nicholas Wambugu, Brian Adagala, Mark Karubiu and Christopher Wamae were released on free bond but without their devices, lawyers said.
This means police are still investigating their work.
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