Expert calls for expansion of space for media freedom

 

Peter Kuria,speaks on press freedom

As journalists held protests to condemn police brutality across the country on Wednesday, the government has been urged to protect the scribes aimed at promoting press freedom.

Speaking in Nanyuki, Laikipia County Peter Kuria, a Public Policy expert noted that the constitution of 2010 offered the mandate to scribes in covering news without being muzzled.

“The constitution offers the media mandate to cover everything that is happening since it’s a transparent government and that can be seen only through the media, hence harassing journalists isn’t the solution,” said Kuria.

He pointed out that the media played a critical role in ensuring the government was transparent on its services rendered to the people.

“Lets allow journalists and the government to do their work without interference for a unified Kenya. If the media is not allowed to conduct their work objectively there would be widespread misinformation,” pointed out Kuria.

Additionally, he said that attacking the media was not the solution to what was ailing the country but the scribes needed freedom in conducting their duties aimed at promoting democratic state.

The protests come days after several journalists were injured covering demos in the country.

By KNA