Event Announcement: Devolved Impunity – The Rise of Violence Against Bloggers in the Counties
Date: TBA
Time: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Venue: TBA
Background
On April 7th, 2024, the lifeless body of Duke Nyabaro, a Kisii-based blogger, was discovered in a kneeling position with a rope around his neck. The postmortem examination confirmed that he was manually strangled, ruling out suicide. Duke’s death highlights an alarming increase in violence against political bloggers at the county level, raising concerns about the replication of violence and impunity against journalists and bloggers by county governments. This is not the first instance where political bloggers have been targeted to silence them. We remember the brave bloggers who have faced violence and even death for their vocal presence on social media:
- Bogonko Bosire: Missing since September 2013, he wrote about celebrities and those in power.
- Adam Kenneth Nthiga: In August 2023, he was kidnapped, beaten, and injured for criticizing the state of roads in Muthambi Ward.
- Daniel Muthiani: Disappeared in December 2023 after criticizing Meru County’s Governor. His body was found later that month.
- Peris Mugera: A political blogger who was found dead on March 1st, 2024, after going missing for two days.
Call for Action
Article 19 Eastern Africa, Paradigm Initiative, and the Bloggers Association of Kenya condemn this disturbing trend of violence against bloggers. We call for enhanced safety and security measures for bloggers at the county level, recognizing their critical role in holding local governments accountable and fostering public discourse. We stress the importance of freedom of expression and its protection under international human rights standards.
Objective of the Meeting
- Raise awareness about the rising violence against bloggers at the county government level.
- Share best practices and experiences regarding the right to blog and the safety and security of bloggers.
- Brainstorm strategic advocacy approaches at the county, national, and regional levels.
Participants
Participants will include bloggers, civil society organizations, activists, and government agencies responsible for handling human rights complaints.
Format
This half-day meeting will feature a mix of roundtable discussions and group exercises.
About the Organizers
Article 19
ARTICLE 19 advocates for a world where all individuals can freely express themselves and engage in public life without fear of discrimination. We focus on two fundamental freedoms: the Freedom to Speak and the Freedom to Know. We strive to protect these freedoms through legal action, engagement with global and regional organizations, and collaboration with civil society.
Paradigm Initiative
Paradigm Initiative connects underserved young Africans with digital opportunities and protects their rights. With regional offices across Africa, PIN improves livelihoods through digital inclusion and digital rights programs.
Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE)
BAKE represents Kenyan online content creators, aiming to empower them and enhance the quality of web content.
Join us in addressing the critical issue of violence against bloggers and advocating for their safety and freedom.
