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February 1, 2018.

The Kenya National Commission for Human Rights, Amnesty International, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, Article 19 and Katiba Institute condemn the surrounding of the Nation MediaGroup offices by police officers last night.

It is credibly believed that the Kenyan authorities were prepared to arrest the Editors Guild Chairperson and Managing Editor Nation Media Group, Broadcast Division, Linus Kaikai, Larry Madowo, Technology Editor and Anchor and Ken Mijungu, Senior News Anchor, following a press conference by Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiangi. This action is a serious threat to the freedom of the media at a delicate political situation in the country.

The intimidation of three of Kenya’s most senior journalists and media representatives follows the unconstitutional and arbitrary shutdown of the three major private TV stations-Nation Media Group’s NTV, Citizen TV of Royal Media Services Limited and KTN News, by the Communications Authority of Kenya.

The action was taken before the relay ofthe live swearing in of NASA’s presidential candidate, Raila Odinga on Tuesday at Uhuru Park. Interior Cabinet Secretary Matiangi said yesterday the TV stations will remain closed indefinitely until investigations are concluded.

We call on the authorities to stop intimidating the mass media and unconditionally restore the right of Kenyan citizens to a free press. Journalism is not a crime. The Government must respect our constitution at all times.

For further information contact Amnesty International press office via email [email protected]

Signed by:

Kenya National Commission for Human Rights

Amnesty International Kenya

Inter-Religious Council of Kenya

Article 19

Katiba Institute

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