A coalition of Kenya’s leading media organisations has raised concern over what it describes as a worsening environment for journalists, warning that increasing violence, intimidation and restrictions on press freedom threaten democratic accountability as the country moves toward the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 15, the Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) said recent incidents involving journalists point to a disturbing decline in media freedom, with reporters increasingly becoming targets while covering protests, political events and other public-interest assignments.
The coalition argued that Kenya’s reputation as one of the region’s strongest defenders of press freedom is under pressure due to growing hostility from political actors, rogue security officers and criminal groups.
Coalition cites growing threats to press freedom
According to KMSWG, journalists are facing an increasingly dangerous working environment characterised by intimidation, physical attacks, destruction of equipment and self-censorship.
The organisation said many media practitioners have been assaulted while reporting on demonstrations and political activities, limiting their ability to inform the public on issues of governance, accountability and human rights.
It warned that attacks on journalists undermine not only media freedom but also citizens’ constitutional right to access accurate and independent information.
The coalition maintained that reporters play a critical role in documenting events that shape the country and should be allowed to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.
Security agencies criticised over journalist safety
The media organisations faulted the Ministry of Interior and national security agencies, accusing them of failing to adequately protect journalists from attacks allegedly carried out by rogue police officers and organised criminal gangs.
According to the coalition, repeated assaults on media workers have occurred without sufficient accountability, creating an environment where perpetrators act with impunity.
KMSWG urged authorities to investigate all reported attacks promptly and ensure those responsible are prosecuted.
The group also called for compensation for journalists injured while carrying out their professional duties.
Kenya’s global ranking highlighted
The coalition pointed to Kenya’s declining position in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index as evidence of the deteriorating media environment.
It noted that the country’s ranking dropped from 69th place in 2022 to 117th in 2025, arguing that the decline reflects increasing risks faced by journalists across the country.
According to KMSWG, reversing this trend will require stronger institutional protections and greater respect for media independence.
Justice sought for slain journalists
The coalition demanded justice in several high-profile cases involving journalists and media practitioners.
Among the cases highlighted was that of Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani, popularly known as “Sniper,” whose killing remains under public scrutiny.
The organisations also called for accountability in the shooting of Nakuru journalist Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, who was injured while covering demonstrations despite wearing clearly identifiable press attire.
The coalition insisted that such incidents should not be allowed to recur and called for swift investigations into all unresolved cases involving attacks on journalists.
Call for improved welfare and safety
Beyond government action, KMSWG challenged media houses to strengthen protections for journalists assigned to risky environments.
The coalition urged employers to provide comprehensive medical insurance and adequate welfare support, arguing that protective gear alone is insufficient when reporters face serious injuries during assignments.
It maintained that journalists deserve both physical protection and access to healthcare coverage while undertaking hazardous work.
Appeal ahead of the 2027 General Election
With political activity expected to intensify in the run-up to the 2027 General Election, KMSWG appealed to political leaders to reject violence against journalists and respect the role of the media in a democratic society.
The coalition warned against using journalists as targets during political contests and urged all stakeholders to safeguard media independence throughout the electoral period.
It also called for broader regional efforts to address press freedom challenges across East Africa, including concerns over media repression in neighbouring Uganda and Tanzania.
