Douglas Gitonga, a journalist with Meru FM (Mediamax) popularly known as Kiongozi, has ended a 50-hour tree-hugging protest in Meru that drew attention to the dangers and harsh working conditions facing journalists across Kenya. Gitonga concluded the symbolic campaign at exactly 4:00 PM on Wednesday, January 14, 2025, and was later taken for a medical check-up.
The protest sought to highlight persistent challenges in the media industry, including delayed or unpaid salaries, job insecurity, and threats to journalists’ physical safety while on duty.
“This is a call for recognition and better working conditions for journalists who continue to suffer in silence despite serving the public,” Gitonga said, urging authorities to take the welfare of media workers seriously. He noted that the campaign was directed at the government, media owners, and regulatory bodies, calling for improved protection for reporters, anchors, freelancers, and camera operators, whom he described as a key pillar of the Fourth Estate.
Gitonga also underscored the growing harassment of journalists, particularly during public demonstrations. “Journalism is not a crime; it is a public service, and those who practice it deserve protection, fair pay, and dignity,” he added.
During a solidarity visit, Jackson Karanja, the Mt Kenya regional coordinator for the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), urged the public to act as the “eyes and keepers” of journalists and pledged to support the expansion of Gitonga’s awareness campaign beyond Meru.
“Every journalist is a parent, a brother or sister, someone’s son or daughter. Let them perform their duties without harassment, intimidation, or violence,” Karanja said. He also acknowledged the mental health challenges journalists face due to prolonged exposure to stress and unsafe working environments.
Press Freedom Violations in Kenya (2024–2025)
The Media Council of Kenya records press freedom violations reported by journalists nationwide. Between January and September 2024, MCK documented 74 cases of press freedom violations, including physical assaults, intimidation, and obstruction of journalists while on duty.
In 2025, up to September, the council recorded 84 incidents, comprising 56 cases of physical assault, 16 instances of intimidation, eight cases of censorship, three arrests, and one abduction.
The figures point to a troubling pattern of journalists being injured, harassed, having their equipment destroyed, or being denied access while covering protests and major public events. These risks persist despite constitutional guarantees of press freedom.
By drawing attention to these realities through his protest, Gitonga amplified national concern over press freedom and reinforced calls for collective action to protect journalists across the country.
