Along their professional duty, journalists encounter several ups and downs but passion keeps them going. Did you know that there are some counties that have been generally hostile to journalists? Well, As politicking period gets activated this early, danger is posed to some journalists who cover these political events. As a result, the Media Council of Kenya is monitoring counties that are hostile to members of the press ahead of the 2022 general elections.
Speaking in Ol Kalou town, Nyandarua County, on Friday, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Victor Bwire noted that early campaigns pose big threats to journalists.
The council identified Nyandarua and Siaya counties as the most hostile to journalists.
“We have witnessed several attacks in these areas,” Mr Bwire said, adding they are also observing social media use as it is being used as a “character assassination forum”.
The MCK will also engage county bosses in helping journalists access correct information as part of efforts to improve their relationship.
“We all have duties but the bigger one is service to residents,” he said. “Access to correct information will help residents participate in the counties development agenda.
Regarding cases of attacks and harassment of journalists in Nyandarua County, the official said they would follow them up to their conclusions.
After consultations with Nyandarua Speaker Wahome Ndegwa, he said, it was decided that the two bodies will jointly conduct trainings on better relations between journalists and the county.