Are Kenya's press watchdogs being muzzled?

[dArKeR]

Joyce Mulama | Nairobi, Kenya

12 May 2004 13:33

“The stability of any government is measured by the freedom it gives to the press. If the government is clean in its dealings, then I see no reason why it should be worried about the press,” says Kenyan media activist Mitch Odero. But recent statements by Kenyan authorities indicate that they have a less sanguine view of the country’s journalists.

Odero’s comments come in the wake of a letter issued by the head of the public service and Cabinet Secretary, Francis Muthaura, warning civil servants against releasing classified information to the press. The April 27 document says there will be dire consequences for those who disobey the directive.

“Officers found to be releasing classified information to unauthorised persons should be suspended from the service or recommended for expulsion depending on the gravity of the subject matter,” notes the letter, which comes on the heels of several media exposés of alleged government corruption. This timing has caused the directive to be viewed with considerable suspicion by reporters.

http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?ao=66201