The Kisii County Police Commander, Ronald Kirui, has urged journalists in the Gusii region to work closely with security agents in the fight against crime.
Speaking while joining journalists in marking World Press Freedom Day in Kisii town, Kirui emphasized that the relationship between the police and the press is founded on mutual respect and understanding. He called for greater collaboration in addressing crime-related matters.
“The police and the press are not enemies. We are ready to work together in bringing out the best information to the public, especially in areas where we need to suppress a given kind of crime,” he noted.
The Police Commander acknowledged the critical role the press plays in informing the public, adding that both the media and the police share a mandate to protect the public, tell the truth, and defend human rights.
Kirui encouraged journalists nationwide to uphold national values as enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, including patriotism, national unity, the rule of law, and human rights.
He reminded members of the press of their noble duty to report accurate, truthful, and objective information at all times and assured them that police officers in the greater Kisii region remain committed to providing factual information for reporting purposes.
The police boss also encouraged members of the Fourth Estate to embrace solution-based journalism that highlights positive outcomes within the community.
He cautioned against irresponsible reporting, stressing that journalists must avoid harming citizens with the information they share. “When reporting about crime, journalists should be mindful of victims, especially in cases of gender-based violence,” said Kirui.
Additionally, he urged scribes to protect vulnerable populations, including the elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), when covering stories.
Kirui also called on journalists to partner with police in the fight against illicit brews, which remain a significant menace in the county.
Speaking on this year’s theme — the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on press freedom and the media — Ensoko TV journalist Wycliff Orenge noted that AI is essential in enhancing journalistic work, but cannot replace the role of a journalist entirely.
Orenge, who demonstrated how certain AI tools have complemented his fieldwork, encouraged journalists to embrace existing AI tools to ease their daily work in the newsroom and editorial settings. However, he cautioned against using AI-generated content to disseminate false information or spread fake news.
The Gusii journalists, led by their Welfare Association Chairman Joshua Araka, commemorated World Press Freedom Day by marching through Kisii town, planting trees at the local Kenya News Agency (KNA) offices, and later holding a forum with the County Police Commander.
By Mercy Osongo
