This archive report was first published on 2 November 2021.
On November 2, 2021, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai reaffirmed the National Police Service's commitment to ensuring the safety of journalists in Kenya, particularly during the upcoming 2022 General Election.
Speaking during the commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI), Mutyambai emphasized the importance of collaboration between the police and media in promoting transparency and accountability within the service.
"The National Police Service will continuously provide a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference," Mutyambai stated.
He also highlighted the role of the media in informing the public and playing its watchdog role during the electoral process, while the police would ensure the safety of all citizens.
As Kenya prepares for the 2022 General Elections, the Inspector General called on the media to verify information before sharing it with the public to prevent the spread of misinformation.
"At this moment, I cannot over-emphasize the importance of authenticating, when necessary, security information with my office before sharing it with the public," he added.
Mutyambai also reaffirmed the police's commitment to providing a safe and secure environment during the elections, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including the media, to achieve this goal.
