International Journalists Say Kenyan Govt Is Trying To Silence John Allan Namu
ICFJ noted that Kenyan authorities had targeted the pioneering independent news outlet founded by Namu, an ICFJ Knight Award winner, with false and dangerous allegations, amid recent anti-government protests.
Marvin Chege 
The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), a non-profit, professional organization, has slammed the Kenyan government over what it believes is a deliberate attempt to censor award-winning veteran investigative journalist John Allan Namu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Africa Uncensored.
In a statement on Monday, July 29, ICFJ noted that Kenyan authorities had targeted the pioneering independent news outlet founded by Namu, an ICFJ Knight Award winner, with false and dangerous allegations, amid recent anti-government protests.
ICFJ was responding to the government's announcement that it was investigating Africa Uncensored and 15 other organisations, seeking clarity on Ksh746.89 million ($5.78 million) worth of grants awarded to them by the American non-governmental organisation, Ford Foundation.
The move in a high-stakes confrontation between the Kenyan government and the foundation began after President William Ruto's fiery allegations that the foundation was sponsoring violence and unrest in Kenya. During a recent public address, Ruto condemned the foundation, accusing it of fuelling chaos through its financial support, saying “If they are going to sponsor violence in Kenya,” Ruto declared, “we are going to call them out and we are going to tell them that they either style up or they leave.”
A photo of John Allan Namu next to a camera setup. /ICFJ
"The probe was launched after Kenyan President William Ruto accused the foundation – without providing any evidence – of sponsoring those causing “violence and mayhem” in Kenya, an outrageous allegation the philanthropy has denied. Analysts have called the allegations baseless and an attempt by Ruto to blame outside influences for the sustained public opposition his government is facing," ICFJ stated in part.
"These allegations are an attempt to silence an important independent voice. All over the world, independent journalism needs external support to resist these kinds of attacks and represent the citizens they serve."
The Nairobi-based Africa Uncensored is an independent, investigative news outlet dedicated to producing high-quality, in-depth journalism that holds the government among others to account as well as addresses underreported issues across Africa.
It was co-founded in 2015 by Namu, who was selected earlier this year by a jury of leading media professionals to win the prestigious ICFJ Knight International Journalism Award.
ICFJ lamented the nature of the vile attacks which go against the freedom of the press, calling for the same to be upheld and for journalists to do their jobs every day, without fear.
"The attacks against Africa Uncensored are unwarranted and deeply troubling. Journalism is not a crime, but a vital public service.
"Namu and the entire team at Africa Uncensored, along with other journalists in Kenya, must be free to do their jobs, and press freedoms must be upheld. This is only more important in times of crisis. ICFJ stands with Africa Uncensored and all journalists in Kenya," the statement added.
The media house, as depicted in a letter to Ford Foundation President Darren Walker by Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Abraham Korir Sing'oei, was revealed to have received a Ksh32.7 million ($250,000) grant around August 2023 for Project Mulika.
With Kenyans wondering what the relationship between Africa Uncensored and the Ford Foundation entailed, Namu admitted to having received funding from the said American organisation, saying that he needed to carry out his work and do it independently. He also called on Kenyans to judge him by his work.
Despite the clarification, the questions still lingered, prompting the journalist to release a full statement not only in defence of his own organisation but that of various other key Kenyan media entities.
"Today, I want to express my gratitude for the many messages I've received, which indicate that a large number of you recognize the vile attempt to discredit the work of Africa Uncensored. Thank you all. You have upheld our work as a beacon, corrected us when we were wrong, and now you stand with us. However, this fight is about more than just our credibility; it is about everyone's voices."
"We are also facing nefarious onslaughts in the courts via SLAPP suits i.e. legal action filed by an individual or organization primarily to intimidate, silence, or censor critics by burdening them with the cost and effort of a legal defence. The situation has now escalated to include the abductions of journalists. Media freedom is the lifeblood through which journalism flourishes, but it is not a privilege only for journalists.
"If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live in a time when your freedoms were at stake, wonder no more. We at Africa Uncensored stand by our and our professional colleagues' right to report and enjoy the freedoms guaranteed by our constitution to the fullest extent, in line with our code of ethics. We stand by your right to use your voices in the same way," said Namu.
The support for Namu, however, far outweighed the attacks as most Kenyans expressed their solidarity with him and his journalistic work, many telling him to press on and ignore the sideshows.
Meanwhile, the Ford Foundation, in response to the letter from PS Sing'oei, advised President Ruto's government to refer to its website which contains the database showing where the grant funds go.
