International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 2024
PHOTOS: Media Council of Kenya
The international Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is observed annually on November 2 to raise awareness on press freedom threats, promote justice for the victims and accountability by the perpetrators and to highlight crimes conducted against journalists and media practitioners in the world. During this year's commemoration, MIDRIFT HURINET’s Executive Director, Mr. Joseph Omondi, joined other stakeholders in Nakuru County to mark the 2024 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists #IDEI2024 at a forum hosted by the Media Council of Kenya.
The celebrations advocated for the need for legal protections and frameworks to protect press freedom, promote transparency, as well as accountability for crimes against journalists, bringing to book persons who exercise violations against journalists in line with Article 34 of the Kenyan constitution and the Media Council Act of 2013 that promotes the protection of the freedom of media, ensuring independence from interference, specific protections for journalists, including legal redress for intimidation and threats, while mandating the prosecution of individuals or entities that infringe on media rights.
Speaking during the forum, Mr. Joseph Omondi addressing Legal and ethical responsibilities on risk assessment and planning, called upon all Media houses in the country to develop a comprehensive risk assessment register to aid with the monitoring and evaluation of cases among journalist, “if all media houses worked in unison, it would be easier to not only address such issues, but also enhance justice by holding violators accountable.”
The international Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is commemorated to raise awareness on the dangers journalists face while covering critical issues, emphasizing on the need for safety of journalists in crises and emergencies.
During the 2024 Anti-government protests, 38 press freedom violations were reported, with journalist from both mainstream media and free lancers faced a lot of threats,
intimidation, and violence for their reporting, with journalist being directly targeted by police officers while covering the protests across the country in pursuit of truth and justice. Journalists were marked, threatened and even shot at while at work by police officers managing the protests.
The Media Council of Kenya, through its CEO, Mr. David Omwoyo, committed to strengthening the prosecution of individuals who violate journalists’ rights. MCK pledged to collaborate with relevant agencies to enhance existing laws and frameworks for protecting journalists and to pursue cases of attacks and intimidation through the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Inspector General of Police. The regulatory body also committed to holding media security dialogue meetings between journalists and security agencies, fostering a cooperative relationship to prevent harassment or attacks on journalists in the course of their work.
Additionally, MCK plans to provide capacity-building programs focused on journalist safety and protection and to issue proper identification for journalists on duty. Journalists in Nakuru and across Kenya were encouraged to register with media umbrella bodies such as the Kenya Union of Journalists, the Kenya Editors’ Guild, and the Media Council of Kenya to ensure they receive support, protection, and career development opportunities.
By Judy Gathura
