Journalists, human rights defenders, and civic leaders in Mombasa held a peaceful march and forum on November 3 to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, calling for justice, accountability, and protection of press freedom in Kenya.
MOMBASA, Kenya, November 4, 2025 — Journalists , human rights defenders, and civic leaders on Monday held a peaceful procession in Mombasa to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, calling for accountability and stronger protection of media practitioners across the country.
The march began at Uhuru Gardens, proceeded along the iconic elephant tusks on Moi Avenue, and concluded at the Little Theatre Club in Mbaraki, where the commemorative event was held. Among those in attendance were Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki and County Lands CECM Mohammed Hussein Amadoh, who joined members of the media fraternity and civil society in solidarity.
Omar Abdallah, Chairperson of the Mombasa Press Club, condemned the continued attacks and intimidation of journalists in Kenya and the region. “Our message today is clear — impunity for crimes against journalists must come to an end,” he said. “We cannot continue to live in a society where journalists are attacked, harassed, or even killed with no accountability or action taken.”
Representing the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Brenda Dosio, the Commission’s Coast Regional Coordinator, emphasized the day’s theme: Chat GBV — Raising Awareness on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Against Women Journalists. She said women journalists have increasingly become targets of online harassment and AI-generated deepfakes that aim to silence their voices. “Such violations strike at the heart of democracy and media freedom. The government must act decisively to protect those reporting on critical issues,” she said.
Dosio reaffirmed KNCHR’s commitment to documenting violations against journalists in its human rights reports and providing platforms for dialogue between media and state institutions.
Peter Kiama, Executive Director of Haki Yetu Organization, saluted the courage of reporters who continue to pursue truth amid threats and intimidation. “Journalists are the oxygen of democracy,” he said. “They stand shoulder to shoulder with communities in pursuit of justice and accountability. Ending impunity means ensuring perpetrators are held accountable, survivors supported, and digital spaces made safer for all who defend the truth.”
Representatives from the Human Rights Agenda (HURIA) also added their voice to the call for justice, highlighting recent threats facing journalists across the region. In his remarks, Yusuf Lule Mwatsefu, Executive Director of HURIA, condemned persistent impunity and emerging digital threats, citing incidents ranging from Majengo beatings to cross-border abductions like that of journalist Juma Shoka as evidence that “the truth is under siege.”
“Zero prosecutions. Zero justice. Zero tolerance for silence,” he declared, calling for a National Credible Journalism Compact built on five pillars — AI-resilient verification, rapid-response safety funds, zero state blackmail or signal jamming, public media literacy campaigns, and regional media solidarity.
HURIA reaffirmed its solidarity with journalists in Mombasa, Kenya, and across East Africa, urging the government and civil society to act decisively to protect press freedom and restore accountability.
Also addressing the gathering, Elkana Jacob, a former journalist and MP aspirant for Nyali Constituency (2027), encouraged upcoming journalists to remain bold and professional in their work. “Journalists are human beings who deserve dignity, protection, and respect,” he said. “Harassment and intimidation must become relics of the past. As digital media grows, responsible use of Artificial Intelligence will shape the future of ethical journalism.”
Jacob, who previously worked with The Star newspaper before serving as Director of Communications under former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, applauded journalists for their resilience and contribution to democracy.
[From left; The Star Newspaper Coast regional Bureau Chief who is also Mombasa County Senatorial aspirant Mr Charles Mghenyi, Former The Star Newspaper Coast regional reporter and Nyali MP aspirant Elkana Jacob, Journalist Sophia Abdilah, Mombasa Lands (CECM) Mohammed Hussein (Amadoh), Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki and Radio Kaya Mombasa based News reporter Talia Kwekwe joined by journalists march along the Moi Avenue in Mombasa on November 3, 2025 to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. Photo/MPC/November, 4, 2025].
The event ended with a call for unity among journalists, human rights organisations, and state agencies to create a safer environment for press freedom in Kenya. “When a journalist is silenced, democracy is weakened, and society loses a vital voice,” Dosio reminded attendees.
Participants resolved to continue pushing for justice for victims of crimes against journalists and to advocate for accountability mechanisms to end impunity once and for all.
