How political actors in Kenya contribute to the decline of press freedom

By Robert Mutasi

Freedom of the press underpins democracy. In Kenya it faces a threat. By meddling and intimidating political players create a hostile environment.

These actors also own media outlets stifling journalism. Restriction of press freedom puts journalists at risk. Moreover it erodes democracy.

The public can't access accurate unbiased information. The brutal killing of Arshad Sharif illustrates this situation. His killing was a blow to the entire media industry.

Calls for justice have fallen on deaf ears. Lack of progress in the investigation gives rise to speculation of political involvement. It also suggests a potential cover-up.

This tragic event is not isolated. Journalists who reveal corruption face intimidation. They may even face death. There is a trend in place, where power holders misuse their influence.

When the justice systems are controlled by the powerful, accountability becomes elusive. In Kenya this problem is not new. Many media outlets have connections with politicians.

They are under direct ownership by politicians. This ownership results in the formation of biased news. It also leads to self-censorship. Government accountability is hard to establish when the media can't hold the government responsible.

Journalists working for media outlets tied to politicians may face restrictions. They fear backlash from their bosses or political benefactors.

The result is compromised media. It supports the interests of the few, not the many. Furthermore the government employs legal and regulatory strategies to control freedom of press.

Draconian laws and arbitrary arrests are few such strategies. Financial harassments become tools of silencing those who voice a different opinion.

Reporters who dig into corruption scandals are often under attack. Defamation suits or cyber bullying campaigns are not uncommon.

Such tactics intimidate the journalists. It also discourages any investigative journalism. As a result many narratives remain unreported.

Press freedom's decrease in Kenya presents a significant problem. It's not a problem of the media only. It is reflective of a democratic crisis.

Journalists find themselves unable to report without restraint. The public then is not able to gain the necessary information. Democracy, therefore, is the one to suffer. The political actors should realize a free press isn't an enemy. It is a necessary pillar in governance.

Upholding press freedom demands an end to political tampering. Political interference in ownership of media is a significant issue. Upholding press freedom also calls for protecting the journalists.

Furthermore, transparency and accountability must be promoted. Kenya has a pressing need for reform. A collaboration among government civil society and international partners is vital.

The freedom to report must be safeguarded. This would allow the media to fulfill its role. Media is the eyes and ears of democracy. It helps in answering to power and making the voices of people heard.