Last weekend’s softening of positions by President William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga was welcomed by most, if not all, Kenyans and friends of Kenya. However, the protests and their effects drastically disrupted commerce, learning and the ability to work within the affected areas, especially on Mondays and Thursdays.

By Irũngũ Houghton

For a decade, human rights organisations have warned that respect for human rights and the rule of law has been deteriorating.

Monday 27 March, Nairobi – The right to assemble, protest, picket and petition is enshrined under Article 37 of our Constitution. Other rights, including the freedom of expression, media, public participation, and the right to security of the person, underpin it. The right to protest played a powerful and transformative part in democratisation and constitutionalism, enshrining equality, equity, non-discrimination, constitutionalism, and human dignity.

Both Azimio la Umoja and the National Police Service lost control of Monday’s protests against the cost of living, the last General Election and misgovernance. Blame games aside, and two days away from the second episode in the new season of maandamanos, what could protestors and police do differently to avoid a violent sequel?

In order to dispense justice effectively, courts rely heavily on the testimony of witnesses, often the victims of the crime themselves.

A media governance storm has been brewing for the past month. So far pre-occupying a handful of state officers, media regulators, editors, and journalists, how it is handled could affect the public’s right to know and the future of Kenya’s independent press. It could also demonstrate whether the Kenya Kwanza administration has learned from the pitfalls of the Jubilee administration.

06th February, 2023

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STATEMENT

Amnesty International Kenya condemns the weaponisation of contempt of court provisions to criminalise journalism. In order to lawfully limit freedom of expression and freedom of the press, provisions must be clear and concise, have a legitimate purpose, be necessary, and be proportionate. Jailing is unnecessary and disproportionate and thus unjustifiable. 

This week, a Kiambu magistrate sentenced a journalist to six months in jail or a fine of Sh50,000. Contempt of court proceedings were initiated after complaints from the prosecution side regarding misleading reporting on a State witness’ integrity over how he acquired his wealth. The media house admitted the story was inaccurate and removed it from all their platforms.