Journalist's contempt conviction regretted by media watchdog

Kenyan journalist Anthony Gachoka was recently sentenced to six months imprisonment without the option of a fine for "contempt of court" - a sentence described as "far the heaviest for such an offence in the country's history." His company, 'The Post Limited', was fined Kshs 1 million (US $13,500) and ordered to cease publication of the 'Post on Sunday' or any other title until the "fine is paid." Kenya's media watchdog the 'Media Institute' - voicing its concern through the International Freedom of Expression (IFEX) action alert network - regretted the conviction and sentence, saying Gachoka "did not have the opportunity to adduce oral evidence for his publications, whether true or false, which he sought, but was barred by procedural technicalities, leaving the grave allegations unproven and disproved at the end of the trial." Gachoka had claimed in editions of his publication in January and February that the chief justice had been bribed with US $450,000 to influence judgement in numerous cases before the courts relating to Kenya's Goldenberg scandal case which led western donors to withhold balance of payments support and ESAF funds to the country in 1993.