Media players reject draconian parts of proposed security laws

Media industry players have opposed the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014, saying that some of its provisions violate freedom of expression as guaranteed in the Constitution.

The stakeholders said the fight against terrorism should not override freedom of information, which is one of the essential foundations of democratic society.

“While we acknowledge that national security concerns are a strong justification for tightening our security related laws, some of the provisions in the proposed Bill are offensive,” they said in a statement read by Media Council of Kenya chairman Peter Wakoli in Nairobi on Monday.

The media players who signed the statement included Mr Wakoli, Media Owners Association chairman Sam Shollei, Editors Guild vice chairman Samuel Maina, Kenya Union of Journalists acting secretary-general Erick Oduor and Kenya Correspondents Association chairman William Janak.

They added: “We join the government and all Kenyans in rejecting terrorism in all its forms. However, it is our considered conviction that the situation cannot be dealt with by introducing extreme measures such as enacting legislation that erodes the gains made towards upholding a democratic state and safeguarded in the Constitution.”

The media fraternity observed that media freedom carries with it the right of the public to be informed on matters of public interest, including terrorist acts and threats as well as the response by the State and international organisations.

“The fight against terror should not be used as an excuse by states to restrict the freedom of the press,” they said adding that the Bill introduces clauses that undermine Article 34 of the Constitution which guarantees the freedom of the media.

They called on the government to keep its pledge by recognising the vital role of a free Press and taking the necessary steps to create a Kenyan society in which independent journalists can operate freely without any fear.

“We also take this opportunity to further remind President Uhuru Kenyatta of his occasional and unswerving promise to Kenyans to protect media freedom and freedom of expression,” they added.

Mr Wakoli said they had prepared a memorandum that they would present to National Assembly on the controversial Bill.

“We have concerns about proposals on Public Order Act, Penal Code Act — section 66 — and NIS Act, which are a threat to the media freedom,” he said.

Mr Shollei said the media supports government efforts to rid Kenya of terrorism.

“If we allow terrorists to limit our liberty, then they will have won as their agenda is to instil fear and terrorise us,” he said, but warned that the media would be left with no option but to go to court if Parliament ignores their concerns.

Mr Oduor criticised the proposal in the Bill to involve the police in vetting photographs for publication.