Media stakeholders have strongly criticized the Kenyan government for what they termed as an attack on press freedom, following a crackdown on individuals linked to the controversial BBC Eye on Africa documentary titled “Blood Parliament.”
Speaking during the African Union media roundtable held in Nairobi to mark the 32nd edition of World Press Freedom Day, leaders in the media industry decried growing threats to journalists and the shrinking space for press freedom in Kenya and across the African continent.
Led by the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) Secretary General Eric Oduor, the stakeholders condemned the recent arrest of four Kenyan filmmakers accused of producing the investigative documentary. Oduor termed the arrests as unacceptable and a blatant attempt to intimidate the media.“The state must respect the sanctity of press freedom. Journalists and content creators must not be criminalized for doing their job,” said Oduor.
The African Union and the United Nations were also urged to establish instruments that guarantee the safety, dignity, and welfare of media workers, with stakeholders emphasizing the need to safeguard journalists from state harassment and economic vulnerability.
Meanwhile, the four filmmakers who were arrested earlier in the week have since been released on free bond. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has clarified that the individuals were not involved in the production of the Eye on Africa documentary and have distanced themselves from the incident.
As media professionals marked World Press Freedom Day, they were also reminded of their ethical obligations, with calls to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in their work.
The event highlighted the urgent need for stronger protections and support systems for journalists operating in increasingly hostile environments across Africa.
