International Federation of Journalists
Press Release
February 3, 2009
IFJ Condemns Murder of Journalist in Kenya
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its African group, the Federation of African Journalists, today urged the Kenyan government to launch an immediate investigation into the murder of Francis Nyaruri, a Kenyan journalist whose decapitated and beaten body was found in a forest in the west of the country.
“The government must leave no stone unturned in the hunt for those who are responsible for this horrific crime,” said Omar Faruk, President of The Federation of African Journalists, FAJ. “We are convinced that this murder is linked to our colleague’s courageous reporting.”
According to media reports, the body of Francis Kainda Nyaruri, a provincial correspondent and freelancer based in the south western town of Nyambira was found decapitated on January 29 in a forest outside the town where he freelanced for the Nation media group. The body was marked with deep gashes and his hands were tied behind his back, confirming that he was assassinated. Nyaruri had disappeared two weeks ago.
The IFJ has learned from journalists’ organisations in Kenya that Nyaruri had recently denounced police brutalities and the plight of inmates who are often ill-treated in Kenyan prisons. Nyaruri had reportedly received many threats following a number of articles he had published in the local newspapers.
“There must be total clarity over the circumstances of Nyaruri’s murder,” added Baglo.” This crime is just further proof that media freedom in Kenya is clearly under serious threat.”
For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide
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