The Media Complaints Commission (MCC) has affirmed its commitment to expedite cases on press freedom violations to ensure justice is served.
MCC Chairperson Demas Kiprono says that justice for journalists requires action that goes beyond the concept of retribution and that every act of impunity is the reduction of liberty making it imperative to fight for those injustices.
“On this day, we take stock and advocate for justice for journalists. All the democratic freedoms enjoyed in the country can be attributed to the journalists”, said Mr Kiprono during this year’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists held at Sarova Woodlands Hotel and Spa in Nakuru County.
He called upon government agencies, media outlets, and law enforcers to work together to eliminate such offenses while decrying police brutality on journalists during coverage of crises.
“Journalists play an important role in disseminating information on public interest. Their freedom from fear diminishes when justice is not done for attacks on them for when they speak truth to power, they attract backlash”, he said
While moderating a panel discussion on access to justice and ending impunity against journalists, he declared that cases brought before the commission would be pursued to the end.
“We must localise journalism and appreciate the aspects that come with the freedom we enjoy today. The Media Complaints Commission will be glad to act on the reported cases and pursue them to their logical conclusion”, he posed.