US Embassy backs press freedom amid threats

The United States Embassy has voiced concern over the growing threats and intimidation targeting journalists.

During a meeting with The Standard Media Group management on Monday, embassy representatives reaffirmed their support for independent journalism and expressed their unease over the increasingly hostile environment for the press.

“Threats to journalists are absolutely unacceptable. The hostile environment that has been described to us is something we are watching closely and reporting back to Washington. When journalists are targeted, something is fundamentally wrong,” said James Hagengruber.

Hagengruber, the Press Attaché and Spokesman at the US Embassy, condemned the threats against journalists and expressed his support for the media's role in upholding democracy and holding those in power to account.

The visit comes at a time when The Standard Media Group has become a target following a series of hard-hitting headlines and bold articles that have unsettled government officials.

In retaliation, the government has cancelled government advertising.

Yesterday morning, a suspicious car with Tanzanian licence plates was seen parked outside the company's main gate. The occupants of the vehicle refused to identify themselves.

Chaacha Mwita, the new Chief Executive Editor at The Standard Group, stated that the situation reflects the deteriorating climate for press freedom in the country.

“Basically, when a country’s media is not aggressive enough, then a lot of things suffer. Our journalism is bold because we believe the media must hold those in authority, both public and private, accountable,” said Mwita.

He pointed out that the backlash from the government has not only been verbal but also financial. Mwita revealed that government entities currently owe The Standard Group more than Sh1.2 billion in unpaid bills.

“As recently as today, we had confirmed advertising contracts cancelled. This is partly due to our principled stand on where this country is and where it ought to be,” Mwita said.

Mwita also warned against using government advertising as a political weapon, emphasising the media's role as a mirror to society.

“The media is a mirror; it is a reflection of society. If you want to be seen as a beautiful society and a beautiful government, you have to be beautiful. You cannot put a mirror in front of you and force it to reflect something different,” said Mwita.

Zubeidah Koome, the President of the Kenya Editors Guild, painted a grim picture of the current environment for journalists in the country.

“Since last year, we have seen journalists being attacked, one even shot at during a protest. Now, we are dealing with both physical and online threats,” she said.

Koome added that The Standard Group has been a target of smear campaigns.

“It has been really, really tough. But the media remains the only entity still consistently holding the government to account,” she said.

Hagengruber expressed Washington’s deep respect for media freedom and the safety of journalists.

“I have been on the receiving end of death threats as a reporter. I worked in a newsroom that was bombed. So I understand the risks journalists face. But you should not be dissuaded. Journalism's role is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable,” he said.

He acknowledged that while diplomatic channels often operate behind the scenes, public support from the US government is possible when journalists' safety is at risk.

“Your safety is very important. You should be a voice for the voiceless,” he said.