• Letter citesat at least five cases of harassment, non-cooperation
• Several efforts to reach Health executive for comment unsuccessful, PR officer refers questions back to Gwama
More than 20 Kwale journalists have protested against what they call the harassment rudeness and intimidation by county Health executive Francis Gwama.
Their protest letter was also copied to the Media Council of Kenya, the Kenya Union of Journalists, human rights defenders in the county, among other groups.
The reporters say they are humiliated whenever they try to talk to the executive and he prevents them from informing the public about important issues.
Two calls to the executive and an SMS on Tuesday afternoon were unanswered. His PR officer said She knew nothing about any letter and referred questions back to Gwama.
Journalists cited a case on Monday last week when the Health executive ordered a Kenya News Agency reporter out if his office after he asked about mortuary services.
Journalists said it’s becoming difficult to access information at the department because of poor cooperation by the executive
The letter also said Gwama "arrogantly" refused to discuss the claims about the poor state of Msambweni Referral Hospital when a KTN news reporter was pursuing the story.
The reporter had tried to call and text the officer, even going to a hotel where the official was said to be, without success.
At least five incidents of harassment were outlined in the letter.
“Health is a critical department and the public needs to be continuously up to date with the operations in the department. This can only be achieved if there is cooperation between the department officials led by you and the media, together with members of the public,” the letter read.
The letter was written following the advice of Communications Director at the Governor’s office Daniel Nyassy to make a formal complaint.