The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji on Thursday announced plans to work much more closely with the media following a meeting with the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG).
Haji went into a closed door meeting with members of the guild after which he promised to share information relating to corruption cases with the press as long as it did not compromise investigations or prosecution of culprits.
He disclosed that his office was partnering with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to ensure that the only cases presented in court were water-tight so as to lead to more convictions.
He further pledged to look into illegal criminal charges used to harass journalists undertaking their duties.
In addition, he assured the editors drawn from various media houses that he would protect free speech.
[caption caption="DPP Noordin Haji in a meeting with the Editors Guild on 28/06/2018"]
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"The DPP Noordin Haji today held a fruitful meeting and interaction with media editors during which he pledged to protect free, fair and responsible speech," his office later tweeted.
An official of the guild who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke revealed that being his first meeting with editors since getting into office, he sought to familiarize himself with the journalists and understand the guild's operations.
"It was a closed door meeting. He wanted to know the editors and promised to partner with the media.
"They also agreed to schedule another meeting quite soon," she revealed.
In response to a tweet from the DPP, the guild stated: "We welcome DPP Haji’s commitment that @ODPP_KE will defend media freedom per Constitution, follow up on illegal criminal libel charges against journalists and be a partner in media excellence."
[caption caption="DPP Noordin Haji at a meeting with the Editors Guild on 28/06/2018"]
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