Media council calls for dialogue with government amid increased cases of attacks against journalists

The Media Council of Kenya has called for dialogue with the government to reach common ground on disseminating critical national issues without impeding each other's independence.

This comes ahead of Wednesday's demonstrations where journalists will take to three streets to protest against attacks on the media by the police over the recent past.

"There is a need for an urgent media and government dialogue on engagement on national public interest issues without compromising the independence of the other. This has happened before in this country," the council's CEO David Omwoyo said in a statement on Monday.

He stated that the apparent tension between the government and the media started as a perception of biased media coverage of the 2022 General Election.

"It is worth noting that the political class, who were in opposing camps during the elections have found many reasons to work together, while media and government haven't found a common ground yet. The media is still looked at as an opponent," Omwoyo explained.

Omwoyo stated that relations have been strained due to the media receiving conflicting messages and multiple viewpoints from the government.

He mentioned that the media often struggles when seeking clarification or general information from government officials.

"Media has been accused of bias in the guests invited to broadcast programmes and framing of national conversations, while on the other hand the media claim lack of credible government voices and consistent messaging by officials when given a chance," Omwoyo added.

Omwoyo further explained that the media follows the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya, especially when covering protests, which calls for reasonable delays during active conflicts.

For example, broadcasting images of protesters looting and destroying property is prohibited, as it glorifies violence and promotes lawlessness.

He added that, in addition to this code, media houses adhere to their own editorial policies, which avoid live broadcasting of violence and active combat.

Anti-government protesters burn tires and block Tom Mboya Street in Nairobi on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

The MCK CEO also noted that ethical journalism demands the media sieve through demands laid down by protesters instead of outright reporting without considering their practicality and consequences.

"All media houses and outlets, both online and offline, are therefore called upon to apply the provisions of the Code strictly," Omwoyo added.

In addition, Omwoyo said the government is on the other hand expected to stop police from harassing journalists while out in the field covering conflicts to avert escalating conflict.

He said this will be aided by the government adopting a single line of communication to avoid conflicting messaging.

Last Thursday, the government assured media houses that there are no intentions of interrupting their mandate.

Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura emphasised that the independence of the media will not in any way interfere with their mandate.

At the same time, he called for dialogue between the state and the Fourth Estate.

"We are ready to have a conversation with you so that we can ensure you perform your duties effectively without any bias," Mwaura said.

Various media associations have warned that the freedom of the press is under attack.

This is after Mediamax journalist Catherine Wanjeri was shot by police last Tuesday along Kenyatta Avenue in Nakuru's Central Business District, despite her wearing an identifiable press jacket.

Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a reporter with Kameme TV, was shot by police in Nakuru while covering youth-led protests on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

As a result, The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate and prosecute the police officer who allegedly shot Wanjeri.

"We demand action against the trigger-happy police officer who targeted journalists who had been deployed by media houses to inform Kenyans. IPOA must investigate the officer involved and the source of orders to shoot journalists within seven days and prosecute the suspect," KUJ Secretary General Erick Oduor, said.

Despite this, the following day, veteran Journalist Macharia Gaitho was arrested by detectives inside Karen Police station in the company of his son who filmed the arrest raising alarm across the media fraternity.

The detectives however released Gaitho claiming it was a case of mistaken identity.

However, addressing the media at Karen Police Station the veteran journalist said that he believed his arrest was not a case of mistaken identity and would be demanding accountability for the police officers involved to be held responsible