Nakuru: As the world observed the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) raised alarms over the increasing threats faced by female journalists, particularly those stemming from AI-facilitated gender-based violence. The Council highlighted the urgent need for stronger protections for journalists, both online and offline.
According to Kenya News Agency, MCK Chief Executive Officer, David Omwoyo, emphasized during a commemoration event in Nakuru the critical issue of technology-driven harassment forcing women in media to self-censor. Omwoyo called for collaboration between the government and the media to address these threats and urged the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for recent attacks on journalists.
Omwoyo advocated for empowering the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to independently investigate misconduct against journalists and called for legislative reforms to criminalize harassment. He noted the unchecked rise in online abuse leading to physical harm and stressed the importance of safe digital spaces for media personnel.
Highlighting Kenya’s decline in the World Press Freedom Index, Omwoyo warned of the country’s potential slide into media control or silence without urgent reforms. He announced plans for private prosecutions against perpetrators of violence against journalists as a measure to enhance accountability.
Omwoyo reiterated that MCK, in partnership with other bodies, is committed to monitoring threats against journalists and advocating for legal action and better protection mechanisms. He emphasized the necessity of standing together to defend press freedom and ensure accountability.
Christine Kuria, Deputy Executive Director of Katiba Institute, underscored the constitutional guarantees of press freedom and freedom of expression. She pointed to existing legal channels for addressing grievances and reminded that media freedom is a constitutional right, not a privilege.
Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General, Eric Oduor, called for collective efforts to improve the media environment and emphasized the need for ethical journalism. Meanwhile, Association of Media Women in Kenya Executive Director, Quinter Mbori, raised concerns over AI’s role in facilitating gender-based violence, leading to serious psychological trauma and discouraging women from the profession.
Kenya Editors Guild trustee, Martin Masai, stressed the necessity of a multi-sectoral approach to protect journalists and called for nationwide awareness campaigns about the importance of a free press. The participants collectively agreed that while AI presents opportunities, it also poses new threats that require immediate legislative and collaborative action.
