Violence and Intimidation of Bloggers & Political Critics Before 2017 Polls

As Kenya prepared for its August 8, 2017 general elections, a damning report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa exposed a growing pattern of intimidation, surveillance, and violence against journalists and bloggers. The report, titled Not Worth the Risk, warns that media freedom was under serious threat in the run-up to the polls, as those covering sensitive topics like corruption, land disputes, counterterrorism, and electoral tensions faced harassment, physical attacks, and legal reprisals. Human Rights Watch+1
According to the findings, HRW and ARTICLE 19 conducted interviews with more than 90 people—including 60 journalists and 10 bloggers—across eleven counties, such as Nairobi, Kisumu, Trans Nzoia, and Uasin Gishu. Human Rights Watch Their testimonies highlight a climate of fear: cases of beatings, death threats, and arbitrary arrests were documented, while many reporters said they had received warning calls or messages when probing politically powerful figures. Human Rights Watch+2Human Rights Watch+2 The report also raised serious concerns about surveillance: security agencies allegedly intercepted calls and messages of writers without court approval. Human Rights Watch
Beyond outright violence, the report pointed to structural constraints on media independence. Several laws — including the Kenya Information and Communications Act and the Security Laws Amendment Act — were reportedly used to criminalize critical reporting through vague offenses like undermining authority or misuse of a communications gadget. Human Rights Watch+1Equally alarming was the economic pressure: media houses depended heavily on government advertising, and with state funds at stake, some editors said they toned down negative reportage to avoid reprisals. Human Rights Watch
The report has drawn sharp criticism from press freedom advocates and civil society. Journalists’ associations warned that such oppression undermines Kenya’s democratic foundations by stifling independent scrutiny, especially during a high-stakes election. HRW and ARTICLE 19 demanded immediate action: thorough investigations into all attacks, reforms to restrictive laws, and guarantees that the state would not use advertising as leverage over the media. Human Rights Watch
Looking ahead, the watchdogs cautioned that without reforms, the chilling effect on the media could deepen. They recommended that Parliament amend or repeal laws that threaten free speech, strengthen judicial oversight of surveillance, and ensure transparency in how government advertising is allocated — steps they say are vital if Kenyans are to enjoy a fully informed and accountable electoral process. Human Rights Watch