F eat ures

C R E D I

T: S O P A I

m a g e s L i m i t e d /

A l a m y

A dictatorship in the making

A clampdown on protests could lead to a return to dictatorship in Kenya. ROBERT KITUYI reports on how state violence is increasing

AHARD KNOCK TO the side of the head can silence a journalist and shut down an entire newsroom.

John Kituyi, the owner and editor of Kenya’s Weekly Mirror – and my uncle – fell victim to a fatal blow that silenced him forever by a gang on a motorbike near his Eldoret home in April 2015. The assault, which happened 500 metres from his home after a long day editing, led to the closure of his publication and scattered his team.

We had worked together for about five years before his untimely death. His attackers stole his phone and office keys but left his wallet and an expensive watch.

He was targeted because of our investigation into the disappearance of key witnesses, including Meshack Yebei, who were sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged prosecution witness interference in 2007 post-election violence. Threats against our team intensified after my uncle refused to abandon his investigation.

The shadow of those who bludgeoned him to death continue to cast a dark

ABOVE: Journalists protesting in Nakuru, Kenya after one of their colleagues was shot in July 2024

cloud over Kenyan journalists. They face threats including harassment, intimidation and the risk of being hit by live bullets while reporting on protests.

President William Ruto now appears to have adopted a policy of even more heavy-handedness against the media and critical voices.

Janak Oloo, a veteran journalist and director of programmes with the

→

INDEXONCENSORSHIP.ORG   19