GAGGED TO THE BONE

Today is world press freedom day. The day when scribes reflect on the year and recall the highs, the lows and the ugly moments in their careers. 

I am a journalist by profession despite my present occupation deviating slightly from what I had trained for in KIMC. However I still do freelancing for some of my friends whenever there is time. My core training however was in the production. But this is a story for another darn cold day.

As alien as it sounds

The media in Kenya are still gagged. If your owner is among the political and moneyed elite in Kenya, then you can kiss goodbye press freedom. Forget what they advertise about being bold, unbiased and truthful, talk is cheap. The real players are behind the scenes calling the shots. Go against them and you get the boot. Heck, you can even be switched off despite a court order barring it. Also securing employment outside here is as difficult as scaling Mount Everest without the necessary gear. In my present locale, the freedom of expression is as alien as it sounds.

Even in my locale

You cannot question Jay, the store owner even when our wages delay for two consecutive days. His word is law. If he says Dwayne Johnson isn't the rock then he is not the rock (Absurd). If he says Jumanji sucks, it sucks(It rocks!). Oppose him and you're out.

But I can handle his bullshit. Sam has also barred me from telling anyone about his rift with Emma. To make his point clear, he has even dissolved one of our Whatsapp groups to prevent the discussion about their rift(Which he started) from progressing. Trouble is, there are other groups that still talk about it behind his back.

Thou shall not speak

Emma too has placed a gag order on me from telling anyone about what we talk about. 

Yesterday was no exception. So even a whiff I won't disclose lest I risk the freezing of our relations. But hey, this is Kenya. Hakuna matata.

Happy World Press Freedom Day!!