By Faith Matete
People’s Prosperity Party (PPP) presidential aspirant Eliud Owalo has warned against what he termed a growing culture of intimidation of journalists, saying attacks against the media threaten Kenya’s democratic gains.
Owalo said journalists must be allowed to carry out their work without fear, intimidation or harassment, arguing that a free media is central to holding leaders and public institutions accountable.
His remarks came following the reported abduction of Standard Group associate editor Alex Kiprotich, who was later found safe.
Owalo while condemning this, said the incident should not be treated in isolation, warning that any attempt to intimidate journalists undermines the constitutional protections guaranteed to the media.
He said journalists play a critical role in questioning those in authority, investigating matters of public interest and ensuring that citizens have access to information.
“A journalist should never have to choose between doing their job and protecting their life,” Owalo said.
He called on the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to establish what happened to Kiprotich and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
Owalo warned that failure to investigate attacks against journalists could entrench a culture of impunity and further undermine public confidence in institutions tasked with protecting citizens.
He said the need to safeguard media freedom would become even more critical as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election, when political competition is expected to intensify.
“Political competition must never become an excuse for shrinking democratic space or intimidating those entrusted with informing the public,” he said.
Owalo challenged political leaders to defend media freedom even when they disagree with critical reporting, saying criticism should be viewed as part of a functioning democracy rather than an attack.
He said Kenya’s democratic institutions can only remain strong if journalists are allowed to work independently and without fear.
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