A students Media Lobby Group in Nakuru has faulted the State for attempting to muzzle freedom of the press that is enshrined in the freedom of expression laws of Kenya.
Speaking in Egerton University Nakuru Town Campus on Monday, Egerton University Media Students Association (EUMESA) officials expressed their disappointments concerning the government’s move to refrain media practitioners from reporting on some issues as expressed in the security law and also the digital migration process issue.
Led by the association’s chairperson Lydia Anguka, the media students warned that the State would receive retaliation from Kenyan citizens if it continues frustrating the operations of a free press in the country.
The lobby group claimed that the ‘ill’ intensions by the State were detrimental to killing careers and prospects in the field of Information Sciences and Media Studies fields in the country.
“We are not amused by the State’s attempts to muzzle the press. By killing the provisions of press freedom that are enshrined in the constitution’s provisions of right of expression and access to information, the government is directly insulting its citizens. We warn that such actions may receive rebellion from citizens of this country,’’ said Anguka.
The official added that media plays a big role in creating awareness and informed decision-making among members of the public as a watchdog and in the long run helps the government in managing public affairs and should be left to operate independently.
“The media is an independent institution that ought to regulate itself. It is also supported by the constitution and the government’s attempt to frustrate its independence should be condemned to the end,’’ said the Lobby Group’s Secretary General James Kang’ethe.