JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 09, 2024
Join our WhatsApp channel
KAMPALA—The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Kenyan authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations that a government official threatened to kill Douglas Dindi (pictured), a reporter for the People Daily newspaper.
Dindi reported to CPJ that on May 20, David Alilah, Chief Officer of Medical Services in Kakamega County, threatened him after Dindi sought a comment regarding allegations that inadequate ambulance services led to the death of a mother and her newborn at a local public health facility.
"The reports of threats against the life of a journalist simply for asking a government official for an interview send a ripple of fear across Kenya's media community," said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator, Muthoki Mumo, in Nairobi. "The only way to reassure journalists of their safety is by credibly and transparently investigating allegations that Kakamega County Chief Medical Services Officer David Alilah threatened to kill People Daily reporter Douglas Dindi."
According to Dindi, Alilah became hostile and threatened him after he returned to the official's office for a scheduled follow-up meeting. Alilah allegedly shouted at Dindi, accusing him of blackmail and threatening to kill him if he published further reports on the ambulance services issue. Alilah also accused Dindi of negatively portraying Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa by reporting his plans to run for election in 2027 under a different political party.
Dindi filed a report of the threat with the Kakamega Central Police Station and recorded a statement on May 22. He also met with representatives from the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), who are currently pursuing the matter.
Alilah confirmed to CPJ that he had met with the MCK and provided a statement to the police, but declined to comment further due to the ongoing investigation.
MCK chief executive David Omwoyo stated that the Council is closely following the police investigation and condemned any attempts by government officials to intimidate journalists or deny them access to information. Omwoyo encouraged both parties to refer the issue to MCK's Complaints Commission.
Kakamega Deputy County Police Commander Benson Makori confirmed that the Criminal Investigation Department is investigating the matter.
CPJ's attempts to reach Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa for comment were unsuccessful.
February 07, 2025: Mozambican journalist Albino Sibia was killed while filming police brutality, and reporter Pedro Junior was shot covering his funeral. Arlindo Chissale remains missing. These attacks highlight the dire state of press freedom in Mozambique amid post-election unrest.
February 04, 2025: Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has opened a criminal case for disclosure of state secrets following Ukrainska Pravda’s report on statements by military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. CPJ urges authorities to respect press freedom and journalist protections.
February 02, 2025: Journalist Alejandro Gallegos Leon was found dead in Tabasco, Mexico after being reported missing. CPJ urges authorities to swiftly investigate and address the ongoing violence against journalists.
January 29, 2025: The Trump Administration is revamping White House press access by inviting podcasters, influencers, and independent journalists to the briefing room. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlights the need to adapt to modern media consumption.
January 18, 2025: A CPJ report reveals that 361 journalists were jailed globally in 2024, with China, Israel, and Myanmar leading. The alarming trend highlights threats to press freedom and rising authoritarian repression worldwide.
January 05, 2025: Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post cartoonist Ann Telnaes resigns after her cartoon depicting media moguls, including Post owner Jeff Bezos, kneeling before Donald Trump was rejected, sparking debate about editorial independence and press freedom.
December 31, 2024: Aaron Brown, the renowned CNN anchor known for his 9/11 coverage and journalistic excellence, has passed away at 76. A tribute to his life and legacy.
November 01, 2024: Duong Van Thai, an independent Vietnamese blogger who went missing in Thailand, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on anti-state charges. CPJ condemns the harsh sentence, urging his immediate release and the Vietnamese state to end its crackdown on press freedom.
February 11, 2025 The PFUJ has petitioned the Islamabad High Court to suspend the PECA Amendment Act, arguing that the law curtails press freedom and contains contradictory provisions. The court has issued a notice to the Attorney General for assistance.
February 09, 2025 Hum News Network becomes the first Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, enhancing productivity and innovation. Discover how this visionary move sets new standards in media.
February 09, 2025 The Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025 is open for applications! This prestigious program at Columbia University offers journalists an intensive seminar on trauma reporting, media ethics, and responsible journalism. Apply by March 3, 2025.
February 08, 2025 As Pakistan faces an economic crisis, the government splurges taxpayers' money on full-page ads and press releases to glorify its achievements. Critics call it a wasteful PR stunt. Read how public funds are being misused for political propaganda.
February 07, 2025 PTV pensioners staged nationwide protests demanding their unpaid pensions, medical benefits, and dues for nearly 400 retirees. Protesters, supported by PFUJ, criticized PTV management for corruption and lavish expenses while neglecting retirees' rights.