BOMAWU stands with Kenyan journalists

Correspondent | Thursday September 15, 2016 15:18

The campaign, spearheaded by Kenyan journalists, reporters and editors, is protesting against the rising violence against scribes for simply executing their duties.

BOMAWU is aware that in a span of one year, at least five journalists in Kenya have been mysteriously killed under a cloud.

For example, it is said that the circumstances under which the Standard Group’s newspaper journalist, Joseph Masha died recently are dubious, and many suspect foul play.

In Kitale, it is also understood that photojournalist, Dennis Otieno, was shot dead recently by people said to have been on a mission to recover “photos in his possession that could have been damning to somebody.”

In most of these cases, no one has been prosecuted let alone held answerable for the killings.

Of course in a more telling way, in some cases, the brutal killing of scribes is perpetuated by some sections of the society including security apparatus which are supposed to protect them.

There is growing fear that journalists are likely to face more threats during the forthcoming Kenyan presidential elections.

BOMAWU, therefore, would like to express their full support pertaining to the peaceful march conducted by Kenyan journalists especially more so that it also ushered in a democratic leeway of presenting a petition to the relevant authorities including Kenyan Parliament, Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) and the Kenya National Police Service.

The petition specifically requests for action and commitment on cases that have been reported with regard to unlawful murdering of journalists.

It is against this background that as the voice of the media in Botswana, BOMAWU stands in solidarity with colleagues in the eastern African country who are protesting against the killings, threats, intimidation, physical assaults, stalking and unwarranted bashing due to what some persons especially duty bearers consider to be unfavourable reporting.

We believe that the increasing polarised working environment that most journalists face in Kenya is uncalled for, unnecessary and should be condemned with the possible impunity it deserves.

Notwithstanding, just like in Kenya, journalists in Botswana, across Africa and indeed the world face similar challenges.

In Botswana, although no journalists have been killed in the line of duty, journalists harassment, and detention for unclear reasons is increasingly becoming unsettling as well.

Recently, private broadcasting television eBotswana journalist, Bogosi Raududu, was detained for covering a youth unemployment protest at parliament and told to delete the video clip of the event by the police.

He was later joined in detention, when inquired on his whereabouts, by Gabs FM presenter Reginald Richardson and BOMAWU president and the Patriot on Sunday Senior Reporter Phillimon Mmeso.

This trend disturbs BOMAWU as we believe the media is a critical component of a democratic dispensation and equally has a role to play without any form of hindrance, interference or intimidation.

We call on Kenyan members of the fourth estate to continue the good work of uprooting corruption in high places as well as wrongdoing by the most powerful in our societies; providing a voice for the marginalized, providing checks and balances, as well as mounting pressure on government and institutions for accountability.

Utlwanang Gasennelwe BOMAWU Publicity Secretary