“Eight columnists explain why they have stopped writing for Nation Media Group”

Eight independent Daily Nation columnists have terminated their services to the paper citing interference in journalistic freedom by the paper's management. "We are aware that the singular privilege to contribute comes with the tacit compact to promote and protect intellectual freedom, freedom of expression and freedom of information, which anchor freedom of the media, "they said in a statement circulated on-line.

…Some of the columnists have written on politics, human rights, policy and justice for the paper for over 10 years. The statement signed by George Kegoro (Executive director Kenya Human Rights Commission), Muthoni Wanyeki (Africa Director, Open Society Foundation), Gabriel Dolan (Catholic Missionary Priest), Rasna Warah (Author), Maina Kiai (Co-director, InformAction), Gabrielle Lynch, Nic Cheeseman and Kwamchetsi Makokha said Media freedom, which is an ultimate measure of country's democracy, was under threat…Said the columnists: "Two years ago, a number of us wrote to the board to express our concern about what we saw as a systematic process to constrain independent voices within the company, contrary to its stated editorial policy to promote diversity and freedom of the media"…In a tweet, Nic Cheeseman said even though the resignation of the eight columnists will not be enough to change the current trend in media houses, it was worth trying. “Our decision to leave is rooted in a deep belief that something has to be done to save an institution which has proud a history and a significant, an impact on Kenyan political life and as the Daily Nation, “he said in a tweet.