THREATS TO JOURNALISTS AND NEWS SOURCES OVER KTN EXPOSE by Kenya National Commision on Human Rights on Monday, November 14, 2011 Over the last few days, the Kenya Television Network (KTN) has run a series titled “Paruwanja ya Mihadarati” on the cocaine haul of 2004 and deaths deemed to be related to it. Since the series was broadcast, it has come to the attention of KNCHR that the two journalists who produced the story, Mohamed Ali and Dennis Onsarigo, and some of their sources have expressed fear for their lives. Similar concerns have been received from the public who watched the series. Subsequently, the police spokesman, Mr Eric Kiraithe, issued a statement in which he termed the exposé a falsehood. KNCHR and Article 19 would like to state the following: Articles 33, 34 and 35 of the Constitution guarantee freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and access to information. Any attempts to water down the constitutional guarantees on these freedoms must be condemned, resisted and opposed by all law-abiding citizens and organisations. Any threats to journalists (or their sources) in the course of their legitimate activities are illegal, criminal and tantamount to clawing back on the progress made to secure fundamental freedoms in the new constitutional dispensation. When MPs raised concerns over the KTN exposé in Parliament last week, the Assistant Minister for Internal Security and Provincial Administration, Mr Orwa Ojode, responded by saying a team had been set up to investigate the handling of the 2004 cocaine haul, its storage and disposal. It is unclear what the composition of the team is, the terms of reference, its deadline, or to whom it will give their report. For credibility, these must be clarified. The predicament of the KTN journalists and their sources raises related concerns about witness protection. The media’s watchdog role is critical for public access to information that would otherwise be impossible to get. Information thus obtained enables the public to better participate in national development and to hold leaders and institutions accountable. The role of the media in enriching public discourse must not be frustrated or sacrificed at the altar of narrow personal interests. The drug menace at the Coast (and indeed other parts of the country) remains a challenge to law enforcement officers, the provincial administration, and other institutions like NACADA. Concerted efforts must be put in place to stop drug trafficking, drug abuse and related vices to protect the youth from harm and danger. Finally, we welcome the signing of the Independent Policing Oversight Bill which now becomes the Independent Policing Oversight Act. The Act, signed by President Kibaki last Friday, provides for greater public participation in the work of the police than before. It is hoped that the implementation of the Act will enhance trust, accountability and transparency, potentially reducing suspicion between the police and the public whom they serve and from whose taxes the police are paid. Signed: Florence Simbiri-Jaoko KNCHR CHAIRPERSON Henry Maina DIRECTOR, ARTICLE 19 KENYA/EASTERN AFRICA ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have the strength to survive, you have the power to succeed. Life is all about choices we make depending upon the situation we are in. Go forth and rule the World!