By KPC Reporter
Kenya’s media sector has warned of growing threats to press freedom, citing increasing attacks and intimidation targeting journalists across the country.
The sector accuses political actors, security agencies and criminal gangs of undermining democratic governance and limiting the public’s access to information.
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Speaking on behalf of the Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG), Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) Secretary General Erick Oduor said the country was witnessing a coordinated effort to suppress independent journalism through violence, intimidation and other forms of pressure aimed at concealing the truth.
“Kenya, once known as a pillar of media freedom in the region, is currently experiencing an unprecedented coordinated assault on its media as a strategy by political actors to conceal the truth,” Oduor said.
He said journalists covering public affairs, including protests and political events, have increasingly found themselves under attack, warning that such incidents go beyond individual acts of violence and strike at the heart of constitutional freedoms.
“An attack on a journalist is a direct assault on media freedom, democracy and the public’s fundamental right to know,” he said.
The media organisations accused authorities of failing to curb growing lawlessness at political gatherings and public demonstrations, where journalists have reportedly been subjected to harassment and physical attacks.
Oduor questioned the lack of action against perpetrators, saying continued inaction risks eroding public confidence in institutions tasked with maintaining law and order.
“Journalists have not been spared by goons who have taken over political events. Where are our police? Police must act now to protect our beloved country from sliding into anarchy,” he said.
The sector also called for swift investigations into all reported attacks against journalists and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice.
According to the coalition, protecting journalists is essential to safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring citizens continue to access accurate and independent information.
The media fraternity criticised employers for failing to improve journalists’ welfare despite rising economic pressures.
Oduor faulted several media houses for allegedly failing to implement the 12 per cent minimum wage increase announced by President William Ruto during this year’s Labour Day celebrations.
He said many journalists had not benefited from the salary adjustment despite working under difficult conditions and facing increasing risks in the course of their duties.
“Media house owners must also play their part. The President directed that workers’ salaries be increased by 12 per cent from May 1, but many journalists have not received that adjustment. Journalists deserve fair pay that reflects the risks they take every day while serving the public,” Oduor said.
He argued that better remuneration and improved working conditions are critical to strengthening the profession and safeguarding editorial independence.
The media sector coalition warned that continued attacks on journalists, coupled with declining welfare and shrinking civic space, could weaken one of the country’s key democratic institutions.
It urged the government, security agencies, political leaders and media owners to take immediate action to protect journalists, uphold constitutional freedoms and address long-standing concerns within the industry.
“The time for mere words has passed; the danger facing the media requires collective, definitive action,” Oduor said.
