By John Mugendi
Tharaka Nithi County-based journalists yesterday celebrated World Press Freedom Day by offering diapers to mothers blessed with newborns at Chuka County Referral Hospital.
Speaking while distributing the diapers, the scribes who are members of TNC Press Association said they chose to celebrate their day with the mothers as recognition of their great role in the society and especially during the global Covod-19 pandemic period.
Ms Lisper Kathure Mukuru of Royal Media Services who is also the Secretary-General of the TNC Press Association called on the government to give the health sector first priority in its financial planning in order to boost the fight against the global pandemic that has claimed lives and paralysed the economy.
“We decided to celebrate our special by showing love and kindness to our mothers blessed with newborns during the Covid-19 pandemic period” said Ms Mukuru.
Ms Mukuru asked the government to guarantee freedom of press especially during the referendum and electioneering period when cases of intimidations and attacks are usually rampant.
Mr Martin Mugambi of Weru TV also said a time had come for the government to respect media professionals in line with their constitutional rights.
“Journalists are professionals and should be allowed to practice without coercion because their role in the society is key,” said Mr Mugambi.
Monica Nyaga of Mwendani Radio, Kimathi Ntomiru of Geetu Radio and Morris Mutugi of Media Max Ltd also insisted on the need for better working environment for journalists.
They also asked media owners who are mainly employers of journalists to ensure proper remuneration.
Chuka County Referral Hospital administrator, Boniface Kainga lauded the journalists for the show of love and restated Governor Muthomi Njuki’s led government commitment to ensure freedom of the press.
“We’re grateful for the donations and we promise to always work closely and amicably with you,” said Mr Kainga.
The May 3 World Press Freedom Day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly.
The day is meant to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.
