Police have summoned Standard Group journalist Vincent Achuka over a story he covered exposing security breach on the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) airside.
Achuka was ordered to record a statement over the story published in The Standard on Sunday two weeks ago.
The piece also divulged the controversial awarding of a cargo slot and access to the air-side that is claimed to have compromised the airport's security.
[caption caption="File image of Standard Group Journalist Vincent Achuka"]
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The summon notes that Achuka was facilitated to access the facility without getting permits from the airport operator, Kenya Airports Authority.
According to the letter seeking to have Achuka compelled to appear before JKIA OCS, he will be required to also shed light on circumstances of his entry at the vital state installation.
He is therefore required to report to the JKIA police station on Friday, March 16, 2018.
However, Standard Group, through its lawyers, responded to the police noting the journalist will not show up before JKIA boss Abednego Sila as instructed.
“It is puzzling that rather than appreciate the coverage that exposed potential weaknesses and facilitated improvement of systems at the airport, the authorities appear hell-bent on pursuing an innocent reporter going about his work. Besides, the summonses violate constitutional principles on media freedom among other laws,” Standard Weekend Editions Managing Editor John Bundotich exclaimed.
The Media Council of Kenya condemned the summons terming them harassment of journalists in the course of their duties.
Chief Executive David Omwoyo, further, advised the police to table any alleged misconduct with the council for resolution as mandated by law.
“It is disheartening that the police continue to threaten the independence of journalists under the guise of airport security,” noted Mr Omwoyo.
The Kenya Union of Journalists called for an end to what it claimed was intimidation of its members.
Secretary-General Erick Oduor mentioned Achuka demonstrated bravery by investigating security lapses at the airport after getting information from sources and going ahead to verify it.
[caption caption="File image of Information CS Joe Mucheru together with Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary GeneraL Eric Oduor and Linus Kaikai"]
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