Journalists and media stakeholders in Mombasa County joined the rest of the world in marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists during an event held at Little Theatre Club in Likoni.
The event brought together several organizations, included the Mombasa Press Club, Radio Africa, Elkana Jacob Foundation, Gilitics Media, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), and Life Lens Media. Participants reflected on the challenges facing journalists and the importance of protecting press freedom.
Charles Mghenyi from Radio Africa urged journalists to think beyond the newsroom and seek leadership roles, noted that the media space is shrinking. He also expressed concern over the continued targeting of journalists during election periods, citing the 2013, 2017, and 2022 general elections when journalists were attacked and harassed while covering political violence. As the country approaches the 2027 elections, he warned that the same trend continues and called on the government, state agencies, and the public to respect and protect journalists as they carry out their duties.
Elkana Jacob, founder of the Elkana Jacob Foundation, shared his personal experience as a victim of attacks on journalists. He encouraged journalists to remain united, fearless, and open to adopting modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. He also paid tribute to the late opposition leader Raila Odinga for his significant contribution to advancing journalists’ rights and press freedom.
Gilbert Were of Gilitics Media highlighted the growing difficulties of reporting in an environment of impunity and called for unity within the profession. He emphasized that the digital space offers new opportunities and encouraged journalists to find their niche and use technology to showcase their work in an increasingly competitive media industry.
Abdulswamad Ali who is also a trained journalist, commended journalists as guardians of truth and called for their protection, particularly during protests and demonstrations as their the 4th state.
Representing Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi, Phoebe, the deputy manager from the Changamwe office, acknowledged the daily risks journalists face in amplifying the voices of the voiceless and stressed the need for their safety and protection.
Brenda Osiyo, coordinator at Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) called for stronger collaboration between human rights organizations and the media to promote public awareness and defend press freedom. She noted that 24 journalists were injured during the 2024 demonstrations and urged the government to prioritize their safety and mental well-being.
Ben Serem, coordinator at the Media Council of Kenya, emphasized unity and professionalism within the journalism community, noting that collective strength is essential for protecting media freedoms.
Human rights activist Neila Abdalla expressed concern over the continued harassment and intimidation of journalist and stated that democracy cannot thrive without freedom of speech and open dialogue. She expressed solidarity with Tanzanian journalists, urged them to remain firm despite challenges, and highlighted the difficulties faced by women in the media industry. Abdalla called for stronger protection against technology related threats and gender based violence, emphasized the need for women journalists to speak out and learn self-protection strategies.
She further urged governments to uphold democratic principles and safeguard journalists’ rights, recognized the late Raila Odinga for his lifelong efforts in defending press freedom and human rights.
Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki Mwinyihaji also urged the Kenyan government and the East African region at large to ensure the protection and freedom of all journalists,citing growing concerns over the situation in Tanzania.
The event concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to unity, safety, and solidarity within the journalism fraternity as they continue to defend truth and democracy.
