Relief as NMG journalist John Ngirachu is released

Nation Media Group’s Parliamentary Editor, John Ngirachu, who was allegedly arrested by government officials for publishing a story on spending in the Ministry of the Interior, has been released.

According to the media house, Ngirachu was arrested at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday for an article, published in the Daily Nation, titled: Auditor-General questions Sh3.8bn expenses at Interior Ministry.

Speaking shortly after the arrest of the journalist, Interior Cabinet Secretary John Nkaissery said that Ngirachu had to reveal his sources.

“You cannot get away with allegations. So it is up to you, if you do want to reveal your sources, then you will fry alone,” said the CS.

Concerning the safety of Ngirachu he said: “Don’t worry your friend will be safe as long as he is going to say the truth.”

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) decried the arrest of the journalist terming it a violation of Article 35 of the Constitution which gives Kenya a right to access information.

“The Constitution further gives journalists freedom to discharge their duties without interference from the state.” Additionally, KUJ stated that: “Forcing journalists to reveal their news sources cannot be entertained in a democratic country like Kenya.”

These remarks were echoed by the Media Council of Kenya.

Following Nkaissery’s statement, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga released a circular to newsrooms calling on the government to release Ngirachu.

“I demand that the young man be freed immediately to pursue his career. Kenya has to move forward and close the chapter of repression and opaqueness in the management of public affairs permanently,” read the statement.

Additionally, the Coalitions for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader accused the Jubilee Government of entertaining the idea that the country can be moved backwards.

The National Alliance (TNA) Party Chairman, Johnson Sakaja, has refuted claims that the Jubilee government is out to clamp down on the media saying: “The Jubilee Coalition believes in the freedom of the media, expression and access to information.”

The TNA Chair added his voice to that of other Kenyans who were demanding for Ngirachu’s release.

Addressing the security forces, he said: “I urge them to speedily reacquaint themselves with Articles 33, 34 and 35 of the Constitution of Kenya.”

Kenyans on social media had kicked of an online campaign dubbed #FreeNgirachu, and the conversation has shot to the top of the Twitter trends.

Many criticised the government saying that their move is aimed at stifling media freedom.

The government cannot claim to want to build an information-based economy, yet seek to stifle free flow of information. #FreeNgirachu

— Wallace Kantai (@wgkantai) November 10, 2015

#FreeNgirachu: it is the business of govt to keep, hide its information and the business of journalists to find it.You can't victimize us!

— David Makali (@makali001) November 10, 2015

Abuse, intimidation, arrest, and violence against journalists must never be supported #FreeNgirachu #FreeJohnNgirachu

— Oduor Oduku (@RichieMaccs) November 10, 2015