The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called on the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged harassment of journalists while they were covering demonstrations in the Majengo, Gikomba and Pumwami areas.
The Council CEO, David Omwoyo, expressed deep concern over the actions of police against the journalists on Wednesday.
“The Council notes multiple incidents of harassment, temporary detention and assaults, with police accused of manhandling journalists, denying access to affected areas, damaging equipment and forcibly deleting recorded footage,” he said.
Among those affected was Justine Ondieki, a photojournalist with Eastleigh Voice, who was temporarily detained in a General Service Unit (GSU) vehicle stationed near Gikomba for several hours.
He was reportedly rough-handled, resulting in damage to his equipment.
Similarly, NTV journalists Fridah Okachi, Dennis Onsongo and Leah Wambui Kurema were denied access to the operation zone.
Their cameraperson who reported being assaulted had footage forcibly deleted from her camera.
Omwoyo stated that such violations of press freedom contravene the constitutional rights guaranteed to journalists.
“These violations of press freedom go against the journalists’ rights and privileges protected by law under the 2010 Kenyan Constitution and the Media Council Act, 2013,” he added.
The CEO stated that the public has a right to be informed about events affecting society, and such actions hinder that process.
He noted that the Council stands in solidarity with the affected journalists and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending media freedom and protecting the rights of journalists across Kenya.
The journalists had gone to document protests sparked by the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy on Tuesday night during a confrontation between residents and law enforcement officers.
Earlier on, National Police Service (NPS) spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said investigations into the alleged assault are underway, promising that appropriate action will be taken against any officers found culpable.
“The National Police Service maintains a cordial relationship with the media and is committed to safeguarding press freedom and protecting journalists in Kenya,” Nyaga said.
“NPS reassures the public that decisive action will be taken against any officer found to have engaged in misconduct.”
