Gen Zs have issued a set of demands to media houses across the country ahead of the planned Nane Nane March scheduled for August 8, 2024.
In an open letter addressed to all media outlets, the youthful protestors emphasized the media’s role as watchdogs and being a voice for the voiceless in the society.
Media houses were reminded that this responsibility was especially crucial during the ongoing youth led peaceful protests.
“We want to remind you that you’ve a responsibility to play as the watchdog and the voice of the voiceless, especially during the ongoing youth-led peaceful protests,” read the letter.
The Gen Zs also reminded media organizations of their constitutional right to press freedom and urged them to resist government influence and remain independent.
“Article 34 of the constitution guarantees you press freedom. That freedom isn’t a favor from statehouse but a constitutional protection.”
“You should therefore not act under the whims of the government or any state agency. You MUST be as independent as possible,” urged the Gen Zs.
Also Read: Gen Zs Announce Fresh Protests ‘Nane Nane’ Unveil Line-up of Events
Gen Zs Demand Accurate Media Coverage
Additionally, media houses were also urged to adopt more constructive headlines that accurately reflect the Gen Zs push for positive reforms and change within the nation.
“We demand that you adopt a more accurate and constructive headlines such as “Pro-good governance protests/protesters”, “Brave Young Kenyans”, “Voices for Change” etc. “
They asked media organizations to refrain from labelling them as anti-government protesters noting that their fight was against bad governance that has led to various challenges experienced in the country.
“Kindly desist from labeling us as “anti-government protesters,” remarked the Gen Zs.
“We’re against bad governance, opulence by those in leadership positions, incompetence, corruption, unemployment, high cost of living, greed by members of parliament (Mpigs) and Ruto’s pathological lies.”
Gen Zs Request for Live Coverage During Nane Nane March
Furthermore, the protestors requested live coverage of the upcoming Nane Nane event so as to document and expose police brutality and state-sponsored violence.
“We request you to do a live coverage, a glimpse by glimpse of how the protests will be happening in Nairobi and other parts of the country during the #NaneNaneMarch,” reads part of the letter.
“Your live reportage is extremely important as it will unearth police brutality meted on peaceful protesters and criminal acts of state-sponsored goons, hired to cause chaos and mayhem and ostensibly blame it on us.”
The youth expressed determination to fight for their rights and urged all media houses to uphold their responsibilities in providing fair and accurate coverage.
Also Read: Nane Nane Protests: Kenyans in UK Announce March to Embassy
Media Houses Are Warned Against Colluding with the State
Nonetheless, Gen Zs warned against colluding with the oppressors, asserting that the media must stand firm as their last line of defense in the fight for justice and accountability.
“We warn you not to be in cahoots with our oppressors as you’re and will always be our last line of defense,” they said.
Also, in the letter, The Gen Zs praised KTN News for its commitment to independent reporting while condemning Citizen TV for failing to cover previous protests.
“We applaud KTN News for vowing not to buy intimidations from the government. Similarly, we strongly condemn Citizen TV for not covering live events of 23rd July protests,” they said.
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