Kabarnet, Kenya – November 1, 2023
In a troubling development that has sent shockwaves through the journalism community, Kenneth Ruto, a reporter associated with NTV, was summoned to the Kabarnet Police Station to record a statement regarding his coverage of a recent security incident in the region. This incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of journalists in Baringo County.
Ruto, who has been a prominent voice in reporting on cases of insecurity, was accused of covering an attack on a General Service Unit (GSU) camp in Kapindasum, Baringo County, allegedly carried out by armed bandits. The summoning of the journalist by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many arguing that it is an act of intimidation against media personnel who cover such sensitive issues.
Members of a consortium of journalists in the region swiftly reacted to Ruto’s summons, storming the police station seeking answers from the authorities. According to Kenyans.co.ke, a member of the consortium stated, “He is inside the police station, but we are still outside. We wanted to leave the station, but he (Ruto) was told to stay within the police building, and they locked the door, although he has his phone, and we can communicate.” The group’s presence at the police station demonstrates the unity and determination of journalists to stand up against perceived threats to their profession.
The Baringo Journalists Association, a collective voice for media practitioners in the region, wasted no time in demanding an explanation from the DCI regarding the summoning of Kenneth Ruto. In a strongly-worded statement, the association emphasized the need to protect the rights of journalists and ensure their safety. “Civil Society has also condemned the summons, saying that it is a clear attempt to silence the media and prevent them from reporting on important issues,” the statement added, underscoring the concerns that this incident may have broader implications for press freedom.
The consortium of journalists insists that this summon has heightened the level of fear among reporters stationed in Baringo, covering the ongoing battle against armed bandits. Recent attacks in the area, including one that tragically claimed the life of a 13-year-old student, have increased the stakes for journalists covering the region’s security situation.
At the heart of this controversy is a dispute over the duration of the attack on the GSU camp. Some reports suggested that the incident lasted for a harrowing six hours, while the GSU has refuted this claim. The incident, which involved a fierce exchange of gunfire, was widely reported to have commenced at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24. It’s important to note that this dispute over the timing of the attack underscores the critical role that accurate reporting plays in shedding light on security situations in the region.
Kenneth Ruto, now waiting at Kabarnet Police Station, is keenly awaiting the arrival of legal representation from Nation Media Group before providing his statement to the authorities. This legal support signifies the seriousness with which media outlets are approaching the situation and their commitment to upholding the rights of their journalists.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the freedom of the press and the ability of journalists to carry out their essential role in providing information to the public. The journalism community and civil society organizations will be closely monitoring the case, emphasizing the importance of protecting press freedom in Kenya.