International Freedom of Expression Exchange Clearing House (Toronto)
5 January 2009
press release
Reporters Without Borders is stunned to learn that President Mwai Kibaki signed the Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill 2008 into law on 2 January 2009. "This is a major step backwards in the history of press freedom in Kenya," Reporters Without Borders said. "We have for weeks been joining Kenyan journalists in denouncing this bill's reactionary and repressive nature. We do not understand President Kibaki's decision, which will seriously undermine civil liberties in his country."
"I have assented to the bill," President Kibaki said in a statement issued on 2 January. "I wish to reiterate the commitment of my government to the ideals of press freedom and democracy and assure the media and the public in general that we shall not roll back on the gains we have made in this regard. I however wish to appeal to the media to recognise that freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility. While press freedom is a cardinal pillar of democracy, this is a right that carries with it special duties and responsibilities."
Also known as the "ICT Bill", the new legislation provides for heavy fines and prison sentences for press offences. It also gives the government, above all the information and interior ministries, authority over the issuing of broadcast licences and the production and content of news programmes.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement, which is in a coalition government with President Kibaki's alliance, said on 13 December that it would file a legal challenge to the law if Kibaki ratified it. "That is the party's position," a spokesman said on condition of anonymity. "If the president ratifies this bill, the ODM will take it to the courts."
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When thieves group together to raid a bank, for example, they cooperate during the time of the raid. But come the time to share the loot and they start shooting each other, each wanting to keep the largest share. My countrymen and women of Kenya, this is what is happening with Kenyan MPS and the Kenyan Media. The two groups ganged together to force violent change in this country during December2007 Elections. Now they are busy shortchanging each other during "loot"sharing after forming the coalition government.Kibaki is just a scapegoat but he is too slow to see it… [Read Full Text]
well said these two groups drove this country to the brink of war. They are saying the election was fixed by eck yet they can not resign themselves being beneficialies of the stolen election. We have started the road to destraction again with the excuse of the media bill.
When thieves group together to raid a bank, for example, they cooperate during the time of the raid. But come the time to share the loot and they start shooting each other, each wanting to keep the largest share. my countrymen and women of Kenya, this is what is happening with Kenyan MPS and the Kenyan Media. They two groups ganged together to force violent change in this country during December2007 Elections. Now they are busy shortchanging each other during "loot"sharing after forming the coalition government.Kibaki is just a scapegoat but he is too slow to see it… [Read Full Text]