Gideon joins journalists in celebrating World Press Freedom Day

A free media is critical to fostering democracy, the Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has said.

The Senate Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Committee chair, who joined journalists in celebrating World Press Freedom Day yesterday, said a free and pluralistic Press is vital and the substance that guarantees longevity of democracy.

“As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, we must be reminded that freedom of Press is necessary to the stability of democracy that is market place of ideas,” said Gideon.

World Press Freedom Day, marked every May 3, is set aside to celebrate Press freedom and highlight challenges facing media, including attacks that prevent them from performing their watchdog role.

Media fraternity

"The media represents interest of the public, that is why each personnel in the media fraternity should have freedom in their day to day operation. It is through media publicity that the county is able to attain some of development agenda," said Gideon.

He noted that Article 34 of the Constitution guarantees freedom and independence of electronics, print and their types of media.

The senator said the Constitution further prohibits the State from interfering with the work of media to broadcast or circulate information to the public.

“Media should be entitled to its freedom and enjoy rights of disseminating information as entailed in the Constitution,” he said.

This year's global theme for World Press Freedom Day was 'Keeping power in check, media justice and rule of law'.

Some of the challenges Kenyan journalists have raised in the past have to do with lack of safety in their work place, for instance facing victimisation and harassment from the police, and hostile environment.

Physical assault

Local journalists have in the past suffered physical assault by State agents, while some media houses have faced threats, including removal of advertisements and denial of broadcast licences.

The theme highlighted the importance of an enabling legal environment for Press freedom and gives special attention to the role of an independent Judiciary in ensuring Press freedom and prosecution of crimes against journalists.

The theme also addressed the role of media in good governance in fostering transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.