By Kurian Musa
NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan media fraternity is mourning the death of veteran journalist Moses “Musa” Radoli, former Secretary General of the Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA).
Radoli died in a road accident in his home county of Busia.
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He served as KCA Secretary General from 2008 to 2014, a period in which the association became increasingly vocal in defending the interests of freelance journalists and correspondents and advocating for press freedom.
His tenure coincided with some of the media sector’s most significant battles with the government, particularly over legislation introduced in 2013 that journalists and media organisations argued threatened press freedom.
Frontline role in 2013 media protests
Radoli was among journalists who took part in demonstrations in Nairobi in December 2013 against provisions in the Media Bill 2013 and the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA) Amendment Bill 2013.
Journalists marched to the Office of the President and Parliament to petition against the proposed laws.
Although the protests forced a temporary retreat, President Uhuru Kenyatta later assented to the two controversial Bills.
In January 2014, a further dispute emerged over the process of appointing members of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Board.
Radoli and the KCA Board subsequently joined forces with the Kenya Editors Guild, then led by Vice Chair David Ohito, to challenge the media laws in court.
The legal battle lasted about two and a half years, from January 2014 to May 2016.
Throughout the case, Radoli remained involved in mobilising KCA members and pushing the association to pursue the matter through the courts.
The High Court delivered its ruling in May 2016, in a decision that secured the independence of the Media Council of Kenya and upheld the role of the 13 stakeholder organisations involved in the selection of the MCK Board.
The ruling was widely regarded as an important moment in the media sector’s efforts to protect the constitutional guarantee of press freedom under Article 34.
A journalist with a sharp pen
Beyond his role in media advocacy, Radoli was known for his work as a feature writer and commentator.
The KCA described him as a veteran journalist whose contribution helped shape Kenya’s contemporary media landscape.
He was respected by colleagues for his sharp writing, news instincts and ability to analyse complex issues.
His years at the helm of KCA also came at a time when correspondents and freelance journalists faced challenges in securing recognition, professional representation and protection of their rights.
Radoli was instrumental in giving the association a stronger voice during a period of intense pressure on independent media organisations.
His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues and members of the wider media fraternity, who have remembered him for his commitment to journalism, press freedom and the professional welfare of correspondents.
The KCA has joined Radoli’s family, friends and colleagues in mourning the veteran journalist and celebrating his contribution to Kenyan journalism.
