The Media Council of Kenya has taken action after Citizen TV reporter, Martin Kosgey, was allegedly threatened by a bodyguard attached to a powerful Rift Valley governor.
Kosgey claimed his life was in danger after covering a story implicating the bodyguard in a murder incident.
On Friday evening, January 7, Media Council issued a statement noting that there was an increase in cases of journalists being threatened, warning politicians and their allies to tread carefully.
MCK Chief Executive Officer, David Omwoyo, confirmed that the Council had sought the help of Inspector General of Police, Hillary Mutyambai, on the matter.
"We have written to the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Hillary Mutyambai, to intervene in the case booked at Kericho Police Station and to assure the journalist of his safety and security during the investigations," Omwoyo stated.
"We are concerned with the rising intimidation of journalists. We have received reports of alleged threats against Citizen TV Kenya journalist, Martin Kosgei, by persons known to him, including one believed to be a bodyguard of a Governor."
The statement comes after an uproar from media practitioners with journalists expressing fear that their lives could be in danger during the heated political season.
Kosgey had expressed that he was living in fear since he covered the news item, adding that the assailant has not been apprehended yet he is armed and dangerous.
Trouble for Kosgey started when he posted on his social media page on January 4, 2022, about the case in which the alleged bodyguard was accused of fatally attacking his kin over a beehive.
He went on to file the story which aired on Citizen TV as the deceased's family went public demanding for justice of their kin.
The report prompted Kericho police officers to open an investigation.
Kericho County Police Commander, Silas Gichunge, confirmed the incident, stating that the suspect was last traced in Bomet County before his phone went off.
The deceased is said to have been picked up by the bodyguard who allegedly attacked him with a harmer with the help of a warden who is also being sought by the police.
