The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2 November as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ in General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/163. The Resolution urges Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity. This day is commemorated every year on 2nd November a date which coincides with the day when tow French journalists were assassinated in Mail.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has over the last one year monitored and documented cases of threats against journalists and impunity against media freedom in the country. Follow up has been made with the relevant authorities, employers and government agencies and media support groups, between the years 2015-2019. Data collected by the Council shows that 2019 had been one of the most difficult years for journalists in terms of harassment, physical attacks and other threats.
Last year, MCK the event which began on 30th October to 3rd November 2019 was commemorated in Kisumu under a partnership with Parliament and Kenya Editors Guild. The them for the event was “Enhancing collaboration towards Service Delivery to the Citizenry while safeguarding our National Interests”.