KUJ to Appeal Decision by Principal Magistrate to Jail Tuko Editor

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has instructed its lawyer to appeal the decision by Nairobi Principal Magistrate Eunice Nyutu to jail Tuko Editor  for six months with an option of a fine of Ksh 50,000.

While we respect the decision of the court, such retrogressive decisions have far-reaching consequences to the country’s governance, especially in the fight against corruption, which is at the centre of this matter.

Jailing a journalist in the 21st Century is not only an assault on freedom of the media, which is well guarded by the constitution but a blow to the quest for a just society.

The Union notes that the journalist was sentenced without being given a fair chance to respond to the allegations upon which he was sentenced.

The law provides for a mechanism for parties to seek redress in the event they are aggrieved by the work of journalists to protect the Fourth Estate from such assault. It is incumbent on Courts to strictly adhere to these mechanisms and procedures to ensure the rule of law and democratic governance prevails.

Erick Oduor
Secretary-General, September 26, 2022

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