Ruto Dismisses Fear Of Media Blackout, Condemns Attack On Journalists

President William Ruto on Sunday, April 2 assured that the government will support the Kenyan media amidst attacks by politicians and police officers as well as fears of a media shutdown.

While addressing the nation at State House in Nairobi, President Ruto termed any public engagement that puts journalists at risk as unacceptable and that they would be opposed to an intentional attack on members of the press.

"We are great believers in free media. Any engagement that puts the media in danger is not acceptable.

"I do not think there is any deliberate attack on the media and if there was such, we would be opposed to it and would deal with it," he stated.

Kenyan journalists covering a past event. /FILE

He further allayed fears of a media shutdown that would affect mainstream media channels as well as the internet, while expressing its support for the media to carry out its duties.

"I have seen some other people say that maybe the media will be switched off. Kenya has come a long way, the era of switching off is way behind us.

"We will support the right of the media to carry out its function. You have our absolute support," he added.

He further told journalists that "I am sure if we exchanged positions if you were standing where I am standing, you would have switched off the media but we will not."

His response comes hours after the Kenya Media Sector Working Group claimed a plot by the government to shut down the media on Monday, April 3 during the Azimio la Umoja demonstrations.

In a press statement, the media stakeholders urged the government not to interfere with the flow of information relayed to members of the public in a society where all can freely exercise the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including seeking, receiving, and imparting information and ideas, which is foundational for democracy and liberty.

They alleged receiving reports of plans to shut down the mainstream media inclusive of television (TV) and radio as well as/or the internet on April 3, a move that they termed would throw the country into an information blackout.

"The government should not do anything that denies the free flow of information to the public. We have received reports of plans to shut down the broadcast media and/or the internet and throw the country into information darkness ahead of tomorrow’s demonstrations.

"This would be a most ill-advised and grievous assault on Kenya’s democracy. From the media perspective, taking this route will sink as a country," read the statement in part.

The journalists further acknowledged that the right to peaceful assembly is the foundation of a democratic and tolerant society as enshrined in the Constitution and the media have a democratic duty to bring such information to the public. However, they noted with concern the wave of attacks both offline and online meted against media workers in the line of duty.

In particular, the Kenya Media Sector Working Group noted with alarm the increasing number of journalists targeted by law enforcement officers.

Since the demonstrations by the Azimio La Umoja Coalition began on March 20, 2023, it has documented more than 20 cases of attacks and violations against journalists, including harassment, arbitrary arrests and physical attacks with state actors responsible for or encouraging a significant proportion of these attacks.