Revealed: Over 30 Journalists under Protection following Threats

More than 30 journalists are in a protection scheme in Kenya due to threats on their lives and harassment, the Media Council of Kenya CEO, Harun Mwangi has revealed.

He adds that the journalists have received threats from politicians and people dealing in illegal businesses.

“About 35 journalists in Kenya are on the protection list due to threats from prominent people. Some have to do with journalists who have been compromised at one point and failed to deliver,” said Dr. Mwangi.

Most of them are drawn from Western, Coast, Kisumu, Kakamega, Bungoma and Rift valley where threats from politicians and corrupt individuals is rife.

Mwangi added that the rise in investigative journalism in Kenya has also contributed to the increased threats to Kenyan journalists.

He advised journalists to maintain their independence and integrity. They should also be ethical, transparent, and always alert their editors whenever they are conducting investigative pieces, he added.