Arguing a free Press was crucial to democracy, British High Commissioner Rob Macaire and German Ambassador Walter Lindner said on Monday attacks on the media were regrettable.
Speaking during the commemoration of the raid on the Standard Group, the envoys expressed solidarity with the media.
"As friends of Kenya, we will be in the forefront when things do not go right. You must revisit the issue of media laws and ensure amendments are made to offensive sections," Mr Lindner said.
"You must defend Press freedom and prevent attacks on freedom of the media," Lindner told directors, journalists and guests at the occasion.
"News is perishable when new issues come up, but the media must not forget to follow up important matters. What happened to the oil scandal? We still demand answers," Lindner said.
Media solidarity was evident, with Nation Media Group CEO and Chairman of Media Owners Association Linus Gitahi, attending. Citizen TV, Kass FM and NTV covered the event.
Bad history
US Deputy Chief of Mission Pamela Slutz described the raid as a drawback to Kenya's political history.
Representing US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger, she said Parliament should reopen debate on the ICT Act.
Former Kabete MP Paul Muite saluted the Standard Group for standing against intimidation by State organs.
"You have refused to be cowed. You are robust and KTN remains a market leader in impartiality and objectivity," Muite said.
Muite, however, cautioned the media to be wary of Government's tactics on the Kenyan Communications Act 2008.
"Kibaki wanted to stave off pressure and buy time. But the import of the new law is to purely control the media, not to regulate it," Muite added.
He challenged Poghisio and PS Bitange Ndemo to explain why they were not implementing executive orders by Kibaki to initiate dialogue with stakeholders.
The President had ordered negotiations aimed at reaching amendments on the controversial media law but on Monday, Mr Gitahi and the Editor's Guild Chair Macharia Gaitho said no response was forthcoming from the Government.
"It appears Kibaki is being ignored by his juniors which is a bad trend," Muite said.
The Standard
Post published in: Uncategorized