New rules could threaten freedom of expression, media professionals warn

Journalists staged protests along the streets of Nairobi Tuesday in disproval of some clauses in the Media Bill. [File, STANDARD]

The Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) has warned the government on its attempt to muzzle the media following the ratification of a government statement that constraints the media on reporting of political events.

The government statement stated that media outlets would be responsible for all the content they publish and broadcast. Other demands from the ratified statement required the media not to provide a platform for “hate mongers, inciters and tribalists.”