Young MPs vow to champion freedom of expression and media freedom

Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association members have vowed to champion freedom of expression and media freedom, which they said are guaranteed in the constitution.

The Association Chairperson, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, said they are going to protect freedom of expression with several bills lined up, including the Public Participation Bill and the Whistleblower Bill which are in various stages before the National Assembly.

Mukunji who was speaking during a roundtable session with various stakeholders in Nairobi, said despite the guarantees given, citizens who exercise these freedoms face legal intimidation, arrests and at times violence done through strategic litigation against public participation.

“We have seen cases that are filed to intimidate and silence those who publicize news and media stories on matters of public interest such as those that expose the government malfeasance, corruption and social injustices,” said Mukunji.

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The young legislators said that the current trend undermines the progress made in Kenya democratic journey and contravenes its obligations under national and international human rights framework, with demand letters and threats being issued online.

They commended Kenyans for always speaking out when things go wrong, and said they will champion bills that will empower Kenyans to keep their government and leaders in check, to make the nation better.

Marakwet East MP Timothy Toroitich said that media freedom should not be taken away, adding that parliament has almost lost its oversight mandate after being muzzled by the Executive with the Media and Non-Governmental Organisations now exercising that role.

“It is very clear that parliament has been muzzled by the executive with the only institutions that have been left to champion the rights of citizens being the media and Non-governmental organisations. We should not allow them to be gagged at all,” said Toroitich.

The young legislators, however, called on Kenyans to exercise responsibility even as they seek to enjoy the freedoms enshrined in the constitution observing that a few individuals have misused the freedom by posting abusive messages and propaganda portraying others negatively.

The young legislators condemned the harassment and intimidation of their colleagues who give views that are not favourable to the Executive, pointing out that they were elected to represent their people and should not be punished for doing what they were elected to do.