The guardians of free speech—journalists—across East Africa have found themselves ensnared in a treacherous web of censorship, intimidation, and outright violence. Rising human rights violations are sparking urgent concerns about the status of media freedom in countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. As draconian measures curb the actions of those who attempt to shed light on governmental misdeeds, the region’s journalists bravely continue to fight against increasingly authoritarian regimes.
Recent events surrounding the arrest of former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala during a rehearsal for the “Echoes of War” play—art that critiques state violence—have crystallized these concerns. In Nakuru, Malala was not just arrested; he was subject to tear gas by police, who also assaulted at least six journalists covering the unfolding situation. This incident has fueled allegations of escalating hostility towards the media, which plays a pivotal role in nurturing democratic discourse.
The Institute of Human Rights (IHR) has voiced strong condemnation of these attacks, emphasizing that the media must operate freely to inform the public. David Koros, president of IHR, articulated a poignant truth: “Public information is a human right, and everyone has the right to access it without discrimination.” His words serve as a reminder of the delicate dance between state power and press freedom, especially in places where governments seem intent on stifling dissent.
What’s particularly alarming is that this incident reflects a broader pattern of aggression against journalists. Media Council of Kenya (MCK) data shows that during the Generation Z protests in 2024, a staggering 24 journalists faced brutality from law enforcement officers. In one distressing case, a female journalist was shot three times while covering these protests, illustrating the grave risks that journalists encounter.
Just as Koros lamented the violence against journalists, MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo has vocally demanded accountability from the authorities. The appeal for an investigation by the Independent Police Oversight Authority resonates widely, yet it highlights a troubling reality: the Kenyan government has consistently struggled to hold violators of press freedom accountable.
The state of press freedom in Kenya reflects a troubling trend mirrored across East Africa. According to ARTICLE 19, a renowned human rights NGO, Kenya’s ranking in the 2023 Global Expression Report declined, revealing a pressing need for concern. Dropping from 69th to 116th in the Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index signifies a drastic dereliction of journalistic safety and freedom.
Historically, the governance system has failed to rectify the vulnerabilities within its policing structures. Many perpetrators of violence against journalists and human rights defenders go unpunished, fostering an environment where assaults on the media become increasingly normalized.
Additionally, startling reports of police impersonating journalists during protests have begun to surface. Such tactics not only betray a severe lack of professionalism and ethics among law enforcement officials, but they also amplify the dangers for genuine journalists striving to report on increasingly volatile situations. As the line between state authority and media becomes blurred, the very fabric of democracy is threatened.
The fight for press freedom is not solely constrained to physical violence; financial tactics like the withdrawal of government advertising act as another form of censorship. When media houses rely on government funding for revenue, the ramifications of critical reporting are dire. It fosters a climate of self-censorship as journalists worry about funding cuts that could jeopardize their livelihoods. The repercussions extend beyond individual reporters, hindering comprehensive news coverage that keeps the public informed about governmental accountability.
In these perilous circumstances, it is crucial to recognize that the Constitution of Kenya offers constitutional safeguards related to media freedom and access to information. Articles 33 and 35 guarantee freedom of expression and access to information respectively, yet these rights are frequently undermined in practice.
A few hundred kilometers south, a similarly oppressive narrative unfolds in Tanzania. Recently, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) suspended online licenses for Mwananchi Communications Ltd for a perceived affront to the nation’s image stemming from an animated video addressing grievous human rights issues. This incident exemplifies how states employ legal mechanisms to stifle unwelcome narratives. As human rights groups rally against President Samia Suluhu’s administration, journalists face a landscape fraught with intimidation—half of those surveyed have experienced threats or harassment.
Tanzania’s recent actions have broadened the narrative of oppression, demonstrating that media freedom is threatened regardless of borders. A survey by Twaweza highlighted that two out of every ten journalists encountered arrests or detainment by authorities, raising the specter of an alarming trend across East Africa.
Meanwhile, Uganda grapples with its own serious challenges regarding press freedom. Disturbing reports have emerged of over 18 journalists being brutally assaulted by security forces during the March 2025 by-election coverage in Kawempe North. The police not only attacked journalists but also confiscated and destroyed their equipment, demonstrating a systemic attempt to suppress dissent and curtail access to critical information.
The Uganda Journalists Union (UJU) has squarely blamed these aggressions on the security forces, calling the violence an orchestrated effort to ordain media censorship. UJU President Lucy Ekadu’s call for accountability echoes throughout the region, urging governments to uphold their commitments to human rights and allow independent press to flourish.
As press freedoms suffer across East Africa, the situation operates against a global backdrop of increasing hostility towards free expression. The trends we observe in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are not anomalies; they reflect a far-reaching wave of authoritarianism and the unwanted erosion of democratic principles worldwide. The pushback against dissenters, journalists, and whistleblowers alike reveals a concerted effort by regimes to suppress critical voices.
Organizations like ARTICLE 19 stand as beacons of hope in this stormy sea of political oppression—penning detailed reports that expose authoritarian maneuvers and provide data to highlight these crises. Advocacy from human rights groups and international watchdogs plays an indispensable role in keeping these issues in the public discourse, but the fight for freedom remains arduous.
For East Africa's journalists, the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, yet the resilience and bravery displayed by members of the press remain a testament to the enduring spirit of free expression. To maintain the balance of power in societies, the media must be supported as a critical informant of public consciousness.
Democracy cannot thrive when voices of dissent are silenced and whistleblowers are attacked. Addressing the wave of intimidation and violence against journalists is non-negotiable if hope for a transparent, accountable government is to be realized.
The narrative is clear: the struggle against censorship in East Africa cannot be won in silence. It requires the collective effort of civil society, brave journalists, and vigilant citizens who refuse to let the truth be extinguished. As we stand on the precipice of a new era of media advocacy, the global community must remain committed to ensuring that the fight for press freedom is at the forefront of our collective conscience. In this battle for truth and transparency, every voice counts, and the specter of oppression must be confronted head-on.
