NAIROBI, Kenya – The United States has raised alarms over the escalating threats and pressure facing journalists in Kenya, warning against any attempts to suppress press freedom.
US Ambassador to Kenya, Marc Dillard, emphasized the crucial role journalists play in ensuring government accountability and upholding democratic values.
Speaking on World Press Freedom Day, Dillard reiterated the importance of a free press in maintaining transparency and democracy, despite the discomfort such scrutiny may cause some officials.
“By asking questions and holding those in power accountable, journalists play a vital role in protecting democracy,” he said. “Sometimes the media’s work makes officials, including me, uncomfortable, but even with that, I know their work isn’t invaluable.”
Dillard’s statement came as part of the US embassy’s continued support for media rights, particularly as journalists in Kenya face growing risks of harassment, violence, and intimidation.
He reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to opposing efforts aimed at silencing or censoring the media, celebrating the value of a free press that boldly tells the truth.
The ambassador also reminded the public that journalists serve as an essential bridge between the people and their leaders, and their ability to operate freely is vital for a functioning democracy.
His remarks reflect rising concerns over the safety of journalists in Kenya, where press freedom is constitutionally guaranteed, yet reporters continue to face intimidation.
Journalists in Kenya have reported increasing threats, including physical attacks, legal threats, and cyberbullying, often linked to their coverage of powerful individuals or politically sensitive events.
The concerns were further highlighted after four filmmakers were arrested in Nairobi on Friday night but released without charges the following morning.
Their subsequent movement to different police stations raised further alarm about the misuse of state power to intimidate media workers.
In another disturbing incident, on April 10, police officers reportedly assaulted journalists covering the arrest of former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala in Nakuru County.
The injured journalists included reporters from Citizen TV, KTN, and Inooro TV, underscoring the growing risks media professionals face in a politically tense environment.
These events come amid heightened fears of state-led repression, as Kenyan journalists are increasingly exposed to violence and threats.
World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, serves as a global reminder of the importance of a free and independent media, a value that remains under threat for Kenyan reporters working in a challenging political climate.
