The Meru Press Club Members have today joined the world in marking the World Press Freedom Day 2025, with the focus on use of Artificial Intelligence in journalism.
Meru Press Club chairman David Muchui noted that it is in line with the club’s focus to foster professionalism, defend Press freedom and work towards an empowered journalist in the society.
“Even as we discuss issues that have come with change in technology and the consumption of information, we must look at how our country has been handling journalists and implementing the laws that promote press freedom. It is sad to see some film makers being arrested on allegations of publishing false information” he said.
Muchui added that, “The work of a journalist is to expose the truth, inform the public and also to amplify the voices of the voiceless.
The government has also been on the spot for weaponising advertising and employing other gag orders to suppress the media.
“If journalists are harassed, arrested or intimidated, it means that the voice of the voicEless and Kenyans who cannot speak for themselves will have been suppressed.”
Lynette Kinoti the MPC welfare secretary on her side expressed worries of increased intimidation incidences to journalists.
“It is worrying that we are following the code of conduct provided for by the Media council act, but we are still faced with intimidation, some death threats and others actually being killed.”
“Some of us have recently been arrested for reporting things as they are on the ground” said Lynnette while referring to the arrest of four filmmakers who are said to have been part of producing the blood parliament documentary.
“Those arrests are not something to celebrate. We call on the government to respect our work. Our work is to report without fear or favour without any form of intimidation” she added.
Lynette called on the Media council to follow up on the arrests and journalists intimidation, also urging the public to support journalists in their work.
Speaking at the Meru Media Centre during the celebrations, Meru CECM Youth, Sports and social development Elias Murega applauded the media for their work in enlightening the community.
The CEC recapitulated the Meru County government’s commitment to respect and promote press freedom.
“As a government, we will work with the media so as to enhance accountability and transparency in our governance. We have witnessed journalists harassment and denial of information held by public institutions, a thing we need to overturn” he said.
The sports CEC however called on journalists to adhere to the code of conduct to avoid biasness while informing the public.
“We will work together not to influence on your reporting, but to ensure that as you are holding the government accountable you are also getting the right information and working independently” he said.
