Unfortunately, journalists in Kenya do not enjoy this right. DFN has been unhappy to report no fewer than four assaults on journalists by Kenyan authorities since the beginning of this month, decried by human rights followers worldwide. Citizen Radio's license was revoked after they beat the government-run station in ratings and broadcast differing political views to the Rift Valley, home of President Moi. The journalists face up to 14 years in prison for publishing the article. Kenya's Criminal Investigation Division came to arrest Citizen Radio owner Samuel Macharia , only to retreat when international press showed up on the scene.
Analysts believe the conviction was politically motivated.
Kenya's assaults on its journalists clearly violate Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights , which guarantees freedom of expression. The Digital Freedom Network calls on participants of the Africa Summit to return safety to the journalists of Kenya and persuade President Moi that only countries with a free press deserve the world's respect. We hope you will take an active effort, while the conference is in Washington, in contacting President Moi and expressing your commitment to a free press.