Bloggers, Digital Journalists School Ruto, Issue Demands
Alai expressed worry regarding the dangerous turn the Kenya Kwanza government was taking against bloggers
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Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA), Robert Alai, on Monday, July 24 led bloggers and new media journalists across the country in criticising President William Ruto's government over the increased threats, attacks and arrests against them in recent weeks.
In a statement sent to Viral Tea's newsdesk, Alai expressed worry regarding the dangerous turn the Kenya Kwanza government was taking against bloggers, worse than the years whereby digital media practitioners have vanished after abductions by state agents, and some being killed.
The MCA, once known as a controversial blogger, accused Ruto's administration of implementing new and underhand tactics in the intimidation and arrest of bloggers by framing them, despite the President being on record that he was not going to block the freedom of expression.
"The new government seems to be interested in taking the path of intimidations and arrests and planting of narcotics on them, despite President Ruto clearly indicating that he was not going to silence dissenting voices.
Robert Alai speaking during a past event. /STANDARD DIGITAL
"In the previous government, some of us were arrested more than 35 times for doing nothing but calling the government out. We were even put in solitary confinement for 30 days for calling out the government when it treated our security officers deployed in the Northern Frontier Districts, poorly while on assignment," the statement read in part.
Affected Bloggers
The bloggers gave examples of blogger Bogonko Bosire who vanished in September 2013 following the Westgate shopping mall, Nairobi terrorist attack and is yet to be traced to date.
Also highlighted were bloggers such as Cyprian Nyakundi, Abraham Mutai, Dikembe Disembe, Jimmie Bonnie, Eddy Illah and Edgar Obare, among others who found themselves on the wrong side of the law over their dissenting opinions regarding the government.
The bloggers called upon Ruto's government to uphold freedom of expression and protect the rights of bloggers and new media journalists to report, critique, and provide valuable insights without fear of reprisal, educating the regime on how vital they and digital media practitioners play just as important of a role as mainstream media journalists.
Role Of Blogging In The Media Space
"In a digital age where information is freely accessible, blogging plays a crucial role in amplifying diverse voices, fostering open discussions, and holding those in power accountable. It serves as a vital alternative to traditional media and provides a platform for citizen journalists to share stories, opinions, and perspectives that may not be covered by mainstream media.
"The Constitution of Kenya, in Article 33, guarantees freedom of expression, including freedom of the press. As such, the government has a responsibility to protect this fundamental right and create an environment where bloggers and new media journalists can operate without fear of harassment or harm," added the statement.
On the arrest of communication strategist and Jubilee Party Deputy Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge who has since been freed unconditionally, the bloggers raised faults in authorities tracing her to Watamu and arrested her on what they termed as trumped-up charges of being in possession of hard drugs.
"How is it that DCI traced Pauline to Watamu for drugs? They already had a suspicion, or the scent was so strong that they could just follow it to where she was? You certainly don’t have to agree with anyone, let alone a blogger, for you to defend their right to a fair judicial process.
"Bloggers are an integral part of free media. They aren’t lesser educated than your traditional journalists. They aren’t lesser deserving of your support and sympathy. The government of Ruto should know that we will strongly resist any attempt to attack or belittle media practitioners, even if they are bloggers. Attacks on media practitioners undermine the principles of democracy and hinder the free flow of information that is vital for a well-informed citizenry," the statement went on.
Pauline Njoroge posing for a photo taken on March 17, 2019. /DANITO KINYANJUI
Alai emphasized that criticism of the government is not only a right but also a crucial element of a healthy democracy and that constructive criticism fosters accountability, transparency, and good governance, all of which are essential for the well-being of any nation.
He cited Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), to which Kenya is a signatory, which explicitly guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression, further elaborated and given legal force under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
"This fundamental right includes the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media, regardless of frontiers. Within this context, blogging is recognized as a legitimate and valuable medium of communication, enabling individuals to share diverse perspectives, engage in public discourse and contribute to the collective exchange of ideas.
"In September 2011, the UN Human Rights Committee (the HR Committee), the treaty body which monitors the implementation of the ICCPR, interpreted the minimum standards guaranteed in Article 19 in General Comment No.34. Importantly, the HR Committee stated that it protects all forms of expression and the means of their dissemination, including all forms of electronic and Internet-based modes of expression. In other words, the protection of freedom of expression applies online in the same way as it applies offline," the MCA continued.
Bloggers' Demands To Ruto
Alai warned the government against attempting to silence bloggers and new media journalists through violence and intimidation as they would only embolden the individuals and enhance their determination in their pursuit of truth and justice.
He implored Ruto to recognize the importance of a diverse media landscape and uphold the rights of journalists to perform their duties without fear and consequently issued the following demands:
- Respect Freedom of Expression: Uphold the right to freedom of expression and create an environment where bloggers and new media journalists can work without fear of reprisal or violence.
- Protect Media Freedom: Ensure the safety and protection of bloggers and new media journalists from threats, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.
- Promote Dialogue and Tolerance: Encourage open dialogue and constructive engagement with bloggers and media practitioners, fostering an atmosphere where dissenting voices are valued and respected.
"By safeguarding the rights of bloggers and new media journalists, Kenya can demonstrate its commitment to democratic values, free expression, and media pluralism. Embracing a diverse media landscape will only serve to strengthen the nation and build trust between the government and its people," reiterated Alai.
Alai, bloggers and digital media practitioners expressed their stand in solidarity with Pauline Njoroge as well as their colleagues, even those that disagree with them, as well as new media journalists in Kenya and worldwide, reiterating that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy and must be protected at all costs.
