Media houses in Kenya have established a team that will spearhead the safety of journalists ahead of the August 9, polls.
The team will work under the Media Council of Kenya who will be acting as the group’s patron.
A statement by MCK CEO David Omwoyo Omwoyo says the team was formed in response to a steady increase in threats to journalists and media workers in this electioneering period.
“The team comprising editorial directors, editorial directors, editors-in-chief and heads of content, will collectively develop practical working modalities and protocols to ensure the protection of journalists and media workers in the field during the electioneering period,” Omwoyo noted.
Among those fronted to the team is Radio Africa Group head of content Paul Ilado.
Others are Nation’s Editor-in-Chief Mutuma Mathiu, Citizen TV managing editor Pamela Asigi, Standard Group Editor in Chief Ochieng Rapuro, KBC’s Bernard Momanyi, Mediamax ‘s Ellen Wanjiru, TV47’s Mohamed Abdullahi and veteran journalist Ken Bosire.
The team will be headed by Royal Media Services editorial director Joe Ageyo.
MCK raised concerns over rising cases of attacks aimed at journalists from some media houses.
The body said Kenyan journalists have failed to team up in quelling oppressions while in the field leaving those under attack on their own.
“The council has identified disparities on the safety of journalists including situations where policies of some media houses do not allow their journalists to evacuate their counterparts from other media houses during distress,” Omwoyo noted.
The MCK CEO noted that the newly established team will be tasked with developing protocols of inter-media intervention and execution of journalists in need in case of attacks while in the field.
The team will also be expected to implore journalists to stand firm and protect their freedom and rights while in the field and also protect their colleagues from threats of attacks.
MCK said the team will also ensure coverage of press freedom violations whenever relevant stakeholders and actors raise concerns.
It will also propose action to state and political aspirants on the need for the protection of journalists.
