NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) has condemned what it termed a blatant violation of media freedom after two Standard Group journalists were blocked from covering a high-level State House event on Friday.
Journalists Rashid Idi and Okumu Modachi had been scheduled to attend a joint press briefing between President William Ruto and visiting Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar.
Despite being duly accredited and cleared in advance, the two were denied entry to the venue without explanation.
In a statement issued Saturday, KEG called the move “discriminatory and unacceptable,” warning that such actions undermine the constitutional rights of journalists and set a dangerous precedent for press freedom in the country.
“The denial of access, without explanation, is not only an affront to the affected journalists but also a violation of media freedom and the constitutional right to access information,” the statement read in part.
KEG cited Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and media independence, as well as the Access to Information Act of 2016, which affirms every citizen’s right to information held by the state.
“Blocking journalists from carrying out their duties at State House undermines Kenya’s democratic ideals and international obligations on press freedom,” KEG said.
The Kenya Editors’ Guild strongly condemns the denial of access to Standard Group journalists at State House. Such actions violate media freedom and constitutional rights. #PressFreedomKE @KTNNewsKE @NationAfrica @citizentvkenya @StateHouseKenya @ntvkenya @StandardKenya Attached
The guild urged all government agencies to treat journalists and media houses equitably, noting that mechanisms already exist for addressing concerns about media conduct without resorting to exclusion.
KEG also expressed solidarity with the affected journalists and the Standard Group, reiterating its call for professionalism, transparency, and respect for constitutional rights in dealings with the press.
The incident has drawn concern within media circles, with several journalists and press freedom advocates warning against growing instances of hostility toward independent journalism.
