We'll not succumb to diversionary tactics and intimidation, media lobby groups tell state

"The media has a sacred responsibility to the people of Kenya, and thus will continue, without fear, to report on public issues and project the different voices in society as well as speak truth to power," said Kananu.

"We urge the government to stop targeting and intimidating the media which is only discharging its responsibility to the public. Instead, the government should respond to concerns by Kenyans on the scandals exposed by the media in the past 10 months," she added.

The groups challenged the government to respond to the issues exposed including diversion of condemned sugar into the market, repackaging and sale of subsidised fertilizer and Kenya Medical Supplies Authority mosquito nets scandal.

Other issues are management of the National Hospital Insurance Fund, favoritism in the duty-free commodity imports including edible oils, maize and rice and the Shakahola deaths.

Kananu dismissed blanket condemnation of the media over allegations of biased reporting during the 2022 General Election, terming it propaganda.

"We view this as an attempt to blackmail and arm-twist the media into ceasing scrutiny of the government and those wielding power and authority," she said.

The KEG president further said: "We urge those aggrieved by the media to seek redress through the Media Complaints Commission established under the Media Council Act and where necessary through the courts."

Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General Erick Oduor said they will be seek to have some senior government officials declared unfit to hold public offices over unethical utterances.

The media fraternity is now calling on the International Community to intervene and protect media freedom.

Civil society organisations have also condemned attacks on the media by Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.

Amnesty International Kenya, Haki Africa and Women Human Rights Defenders Hub said Kuria's remarks are not only unconstitutional and illegal but communicate the government's intention to interfere with the work of independent agencies in the country.

"It is an alarming attempt to stifle crucial voices and undermine the media's vital role as a watchdog,'' said Dimas Kiprono, campaigns manager at Amnesty International Kenya. Salome Nduta of Women Human Rights Defenders Hub said the attack is an attempt to intimidate the media into silence.

[Jacinta Mutura and James Wanzala]