JURIST - Paper Chase: Kenya journalists protest proposed law to force disclosure of sources

[JURIST] More than 300 Kenyan journalists marched in the capital city of Nairobi Wednesday, voicing their opposition to a provision in a proposed law that would give courts the authority to force journalists to disclose confidential sources. The provision, part of a proposal to establish an independent council to adjudicate complaints against the media, was introduced in the National Assembly [official website] just before lawmakers voted to approve the bill earlier this month. The journalists are urging Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki [official profile] not to sign the bill into law. Kenyan Attorney General Amos Wako has pledged to advise Kibaki not to enact the law.

Kenyan journalists say confidential sources have allowed the media to expose government scandals, including the Goldenberg affair [BBC report; JURIST report], which involved a bogus gold and diamond import/export business that fleeced government funds during the 24-year rule of former Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi [official profile]. AP has more. BBC News has additional coverage.

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