TJournalists
By Joseph Kamau Kiragu
As the country gears up towards the August 9 general election, the role of journalists in disseminating information to the public, civic education, and agenda-setting cannot be exaggerated. It is a period where journalists and other media workers frequently report from campaign rallies and election events. They play a primary role in fostering the public based on the pursuit of the truth in opposition to one based on prejudice and the gravity of rumors. However, as the journalists work towards this, particularly during this election period, what they experience on the ground is increased threats and assaults.
Sadly, these attacks at times get severe and result to severe injuries and at times murders which is against freedom of expression and that of the press hence a threat to democracy. Most of the threats emanating from state actors, political leaders, and supporters, who are never investigated or prosecuted. Due to journalists’ safety and their families, they are mostly shy and fear to report the threats they experience from such groups. Therefore, for journalists to exercise their usual professional activities, they deserve special protection. The government has an urgent duty to play in safeguarding the security of journalists and media workers during this crucial period.
Those organizing the elections and the government should develop measures of dealing with anyone who will be a threat to journalists when carrying out their duties. To accelerate this, journalists should also work closely with the duty bearers, such as the police and other available security agencies. They should report any incident of threat or harassment for easy intervention when covering public events. More worthy, to avoid escalating conflicts when journalists cover campaign rallies and polls, they must remain professional and ethical. Consequently, political leaders, parties, and their followers have the role in promoting press freedom and stopping attacks and threats on journalists when performing their regular professional duties.
Joseph Kamau Kiragu
Student Maasai Mara university
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