KNCSC Condemns Intimidation of the Media, Calls for Accountability in Public Finance
“Intimidation of the media has no place in Kenya’s open and democratic society,” said KNCSC Chairperson Suba Churchill.
The Kenya National Civil Society Centre (KNCSC) has strongly condemned attempts by political leaders to intimidate the media, warning that such actions threaten Kenya’s democratic principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance as enshrined in the 2010 Constitution.
“Intimidation of the media has no place in Kenya’s open and democratic society,” said KNCSC Chairperson Suba Churchill. “Efforts to silence journalists in the hope that they will shy away from exposing waste, mismanagement, and misappropriation of public funds are unacceptable.”
The KNCSC highlighted Article 4(1) of the Constitution, which affirms Kenya as a sovereign Republic founded on democratic principles and respect for human rights. The organization further underscored the principles of public finance outlined in Article 201, which mandate openness, accountability, equitable resource distribution, and responsible financial management.
Despite constitutional safeguards, KNCSC expressed concern over the National Assembly’s actions on March 6, where MPs, instead of fulfilling their oversight role, launched an “unrestrained attack” on the Office of the Controller of Budget (OCB), the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), and the media.
“Rather than scrutinizing reports from the Controller of Budget and the Auditor General, as required by the Standing Orders, the National Assembly instead sought to intimidate independent institutions and the press,” Churchill stated.
The civil society group reminded Parliament that its oversight role, through committees such as the Public Accounts Committee, Budget and Appropriations Committee, and Public Debt & Privatization Committee, is critical in ensuring prudent financial management.
KNCSC emphasized that the media, often referred to as the “fourth estate,” plays a crucial role in informing the public, uncovering corruption, and ensuring transparency in governance.
“In a democracy, the media is not just a watchdog but a key pillar that informs citizens, provokes debate, and holds leaders accountable,” Churchill noted. “Kenya’s Constitution, under Articles 32, 33, and 34, guarantees freedom of conscience, expression, and the press, which must be upheld at all costs.”
While acknowledging Article 117(1), which grants MPs freedom of speech in Parliament, KNCSC criticized the manner in which lawmakers used this privilege to “bully and intimidate” the media instead of engaging constructively on issues raised by oversight bodies.
Call to Action and Solidarity
The KNCSC called on the Controller of Budget and the Auditor General to remain steadfast in executing their mandates, assuring them of public support in their fight for accountability.
“We urge these institutions to stand firm. Kenyans of goodwill support their commitment to exposing financial mismanagement,” Churchill affirmed.
Additionally, the organization applauded the media for its resilience in reporting on governance issues and reassured journalists of civil society’s unwavering support in defending press freedom.
“An informed citizenry is the backbone of a strong democracy. The media must not be silenced,” Churchill concluded.
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