The Standard Group PLC, a leading multi-media house in Kenya, has strongly condemned an unwarranted protest and name-calling outside its premises along Mombasa Road. A group of youths, claiming to represent the President and the Kenya Kwanza administration, picketed the offices and hurled profanities at the company. This incident has been widely condemned as an affront to media freedom, democracy, and legitimate business.
The Constitution of Kenya guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of the media under Articles 33 and 34. The Standard Group PLC has asserted that no group has the right to trample on these constitutional rights. This is not an isolated incident, as the same group has previously attacked The Standard, KTN, and other broadcast outlets, including digital platforms, simply because they have been critical of President William Ruto.
The group has also insulted Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, claiming they are behind headlines they dislike. However, The Standard Group PLC has denied these claims, stating that their journalism is guided by professionalism, the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism, and the public interest. The organization has condemned the intrusion by paid goons ready to harm journalists and staff.
The Standard Group PLC has commended the police for stopping the group from entering the premises, describing it as a professional and independent move by the National Police Service. The organization has emphasized that every Kenyan has the right to present grievances, protest at injustice, and demonstrate publicly, but threatening journalists, intimidating media houses, and punishing independent voices is not protest, but an attack on the Constitution.
The organization has reassured its readers, viewers, listeners, and all Kenyans that it will not relent in its duty to inform them. The Standard Group PLC has stated that it will not be cowed by individuals trying to instill fear and nurture dictatorial tendencies. The organization will continue to expose what the powerful would rather hide, and no threat will stop it from calling out injustice and defending democracy.
Human Rights defenders, led by Bob Njagi, have also condemned the attempted attack on Standard Group headquarters by pro-government protesters. The incident has sparked widespread concern about the erosion of media freedom and the intimidation of independent media houses.
Rights groups and other stakeholders have rallied behind Standard Group PLC, expressing their support for independent journalism and condemning the attack on the media house. The incident has highlighted the need for a free and independent press in a democratic society.
Key points
- The Standard Group PLC has condemned the attack on its premises, citing threats to media freedom and democracy.
- The incident has sparked widespread concern about the erosion of media freedom and the intimidation of independent media houses.
- Rights groups and stakeholders have rallied behind Standard Group PLC, expressing their support for independent journalism.
