Free Press in Kenya
Kenya is ranked 71st out of 179 on Reporters Without Borders' Press Freedom Index, so what does this mean for journalists, and journalism in Kenya?
Dickson Bogonko Bosire is the editor of controversial Kenyan blog "The Jackal." A quick scroll through recent blog posts will reveal the diversity of this website, which ranges from Kenyan politics and health, to world politics, the grammy's, and a piece about beauty ideals based on the success of a Kenyan, Oscar nominated actress. But, in September 2013, Bogonko Bosire disappeared just two days before the Westgate shopping mall attack in Nairobi. Disappearance is normal for Bogonko Bosire-- he is a controversial editor, and has gone into hiding or fled Nairobi multiple times to avoid conflicts with politicians and business men.
Bogonko Bosire is since believed to be alive, as his body was never found in a morgue or hospital, and there has been recent activity on his Facebook page. But, the fact that he regularly flees Nairobi or goes into hiding out of fear that his words could threaten his own safety is quite telling of Kenya's state in terms of Free Press. Those who still write controversial stories are brave, and risking their lives to write accurate reports.