Kiambu County Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has called for urgent action to protect journalists and uphold media freedoms, warning that rising cases of intimidation and harassment threaten Kenya’s democratic foundations.
In a statement issued to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026, the senator joined global leaders in reaffirming the importance of a free, independent, and professional press as a pillar of democracy, accountability, and public participation.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, *“Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security,”* Thang’wa emphasized the need to address emerging challenges at the intersection of journalism, technology, and human rights. He noted that while Kenya has made notable strides in expanding civic space and media plurality, those gains remain fragile and under threat.
“It is deeply concerning that journalists in Kenya continue to face intimidation, harassment, and at times physical assault, particularly while covering political events and public demonstrations,” the senator said.
He singled out reports of rogue police officers targeting members of the press, describing such actions as a violation of constitutional guarantees on freedom of expression and media independence. According to Thang’wa, attempts to silence journalists through force or coercion not only undermine the rule of law but also weaken democratic governance.
“Journalists are not adversaries of the state; they are essential actors in informing citizens and holding power to account,” he added.
The senator urged leaders across the political spectrum to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to safeguard press freedom. These include enforcing accountability within security agencies, strengthening legal protections for media practitioners, and fostering respect for the role of the press in society.
Thang’wa also highlighted the growing influence of technology, including artificial intelligence, in shaping modern journalism. He called for responsible adoption of such technologies, coupled with investment in media literacy and the promotion of ethical journalism standards to combat misinformation and disinformation.
“A free press is not a privilege granted by those in power; it is a right that must be actively defended,” he stated, urging stakeholders to build a resilient and inclusive information ecosystem.
As Kenya joins the rest of the world in commemorating the day, the senator’s remarks underscore ongoing concerns about the safety of journalists and the need for sustained reforms to ensure they can operate without fear.
World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3 to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom and evaluate the state of media independence worldwide.
