Stop this media gag
It is unconscionable that a government which was elected on a reform platform to promote democratic ideals is the very one that is now muzzling the press. This morning’s raid by undercover police on the Standard Group’s newsroom and printing press must be condemned by those who believe in a free press.
The government’s action—coming barely two days after the media house’s two editors and a reporter were arrested and locked up in police cells—is reminiscent of the dark old days of single party dictatorship when journalists were harassed at will. Ironically, the government officials now muzzling the media are the very ones who championed the cause of a free press during their days in the opposition. But the boot is now on the other foot. How things change fast!
There are legal mechanisms in place, which the government could resort to in case it felt aggrieved. But detaining journalists and disabling the broadcast equipment at the Standard’s studios smacks of dishonesty and oppression by a government, which is increasingly coming under scrutiny for reneging on its promises. Kenyans have not forgotten what the First Lady Lucy Kibaki did on the eve of last year’s World Press Freedom Day, when she raided the Nation Media Group’s newsroom. Hardly before the dust has settled, the government is at it again.
In less than two weeks so far, government has detained journalists from at least two media houses over stories related to President Mwai Kibaki. On Monday 21st February 2006, police raided two tabloid newspapers, arrested and detained several journalists. The latest development as of 28th February 2006 indicates that police again detained three journalists with the independent Saturday Standard for questioning in connection with a story that appeared in its 25 February edition, headlined ‘Kalonzo, Kibaki in secret meeting’. And today, a gang of hooded detectives staged an early morning raid at the Standard Group’s newsroom and printing press, disbanding broadcast equipment and burning newspapers that had rolled out of press. The government owes an apology and must compensate the Standard Group for the loss incurred.