The political crisis in Burundi epitomized by the attempted coup early this year has made the landlocked country repugnant to journalists. 80 journalists are reported to have fled the war-torn nation.

Kenya Correspondents Association chairman William Oloo Janak said some journalists have also sought asylum in Kenya.

He said there is increased threats and intimidation of reporters in Burundi.

"Many are being threatened with death while most have been arrested and prosecuted with different claims of treason," Janak said.

He spoke on Saturday at the Kisumu Media Hub during the launch of the mentorship programme for investigative journalists from East Africa.

A radio journalist identified as Prosper Nzisabira, fled after threats to his life by security agencies.

"Many of my friends have been arrested and detained by the police for several months now. It becomes hard to serve the public interest when the government demands you write what it wants and not the real truth," he said.

Albert Nasangwa urged the International Federation of Journalists to help the reporters.

"If the situation continues we might have cases of death and the high rates of intimidation of journalists will continue," he said.