Corruption’s Role in Al‑Shabaab Violence in Kenya

As Kenya moved toward the pivotal general election scheduled for August 8, 2017, a sharp warning from Human Rights Watch (HRW) and ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa alarmed the nation: journalists and bloggers were operating under serious threats. Their joint report, Not Worth the Risk, documents a climate of growing intimidation, physical assaults, and legal harassment that cast a long shadow over freedom of expression in the country. The groups say these pressures came primarily from government officials, security forces, and political actors, especially as the campaign season intensified.
The report draws on interviews with more than 90 people—including 60 journalists and 10 bloggers—from across eleven counties, such as Nairobi, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, and Trans Nzoia.Human Rights Watch+1 It reveals that those covering sensitive topics—corruption, disputed land deals, post-election violence, and counterterrorism—often faced threats, beatings, or worse. Since 2013, at least 23 journalists and bloggers were physically attacked, and two died in connection with their work.Human Rights Watch Many also reported being surveilled, with security agencies allegedly intercepting calls and texts without proper court orders.Human Rights Watch In addition, the report highlights how vaguely worded criminal laws were being used to intimidate reporters, criminalizing criticism under charges like undermining authority.
The findings have provoked concern and condemnation from civil society, media associations, and international observers. Journalist groups in Kenya voiced alarm that such repression just ahead of elections undermines democratic discourse and erodes public trust. HRW and ARTICLE 19 called on the government, Parliament, and security agencies to take concrete steps: investigating attacks, reforming repressive laws, and publicly committing to protecting free expression.Human Rights Watch The report also urged political parties to respect media freedom and avoid using state advertising as a tool to silence criticism.
Looking ahead, the report warns that unless reforms are swiftly enacted, the upcoming polls could deepen the chilling effect on the media—leading to widespread self-censorship. HRW recommends amending various statutes, including the Kenya Information and Communications Act and the Penal Code, to bring them in line with constitutional and international standards.Human Rights Watch Without these changes, many fear that Kenyan citizens could face an electoral process deprived of rigorous and independent reporting, weakening accountability at a time when transparency is most needed.