County governments still threatening journalists, says KJN

Journalists continue to receive threats from county government.

This has been mentioned as a major challenge to journalists, and stifles free press.

This assertion came during a forum that brought together Kisumu Journalists Network and members of the civil society organizations to mark World Press Freedom Day.

Rushdie Oudia, the Chairman of the Network pointed out that journalists still face threats while pursuing certain stories.

You report something, you might be branded and sometimes you get threats from all sides or angles

Rushdie Oudia

“You report something, you might be branded and sometimes you get threats from all sides or angles,” he said.

Oudia encouraged journalists to report their stories ethically and professionally despite the challenges.

With these challenges, the civil society organizations have called on the journalists to seek psychological support.

Mental health

According to Whitney Ndemo, such experiences are likely to push journalists into trauma.

“When undergoing such traumatic events, there are people who are also there to take care of their mental health,” said the Counselor at TINADA, an organization that deals with mental health.

She added: “If your mental health is not well taken care o,f you will be unproductive in your work.”

If your mental health is not well taken care o,f you will be unproductive in your work

Whitney Ndemo

The civil society organization network have affirmed their commitment to support the work journalists do and defend their rights in the course of duty.