- The Media Council of Kenya has strongly condemned today’s arbitrary arrests and assaults on journalists by armed police officers during protests in Nairobi’s CBD
- Journalists, clearly identified with MCK press badges, faced harassment and physical violence, highlighting ongoing challenges to press freedom in Kenya despite constitutional protections
- Through a press statement, the MCK has urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure journalists are protected and not targeted for harassment while performing their vital role in society
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly denounced the alarming wave of arbitrary arrests and assaults on journalists during today’s protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District by armed police officers.
In a press statement issued today, MCK expressed deep concern over the mistreatment of journalists who were covering the protests, relying on police for their safety.
Instead of protection, journalists were subjected to harassment, physical assault, and unjust arrests by security forces.
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Many of the journalists targeted were clearly identified with MCK press badges and press jackets, emphasizing their legitimate presence and role in reporting.
Among the victims of this unwarranted aggression were prominent media personnel such as Joe Muhia and Iddi Ali Juma from the Associated Press (AP), who were briefly detained and physically assaulted before being released.
The incident involving Justice Mwangi Macharia, a video editor at Standard Group, was particularly egregious as he was forcibly removed from a moving police vehicle, sustaining injuries in the process.
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Sammy Kimatu, a reporter for Nation Media Group’s Taifa Leo, was similarly injured after being ejected from a moving police Land Rover.
Maureen Murethi from NTV was hospitalized due to injuries sustained from a police canister aimed directly at her while she was covering the protests.
The Media Council of Kenya has called upon the Inspector General of Police to take immediate action to rein in officers responsible for these acts and ensure that journalists are protected rather than targeted while carrying out their duties.
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David Omwoyo, the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Council, emphasized the critical role of the National Police Service in upholding democratic principles and urged for accountability in ensuring such incidents do not recur.
The Media Council of Kenya in the press statement also mentioned that it was committed to defending press freedom and the rights of journalists, and urged stakeholders to respect the role of media professionals in providing accurate and timely information to the public.
