Police in action during a past student protestThe National Police Service has issued an update on the ongoing investigations regarding alleged infringements on press freedom by some of officers.
In a statement on Friday, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said investigations into recent complaints of violations of press freedom by a section of officers are "at an advanced stage, and any officer found culpable will be held accountable".
On March 5, police were accused of preventing journalists from covering a violent clash between them and residents of Majengo in Shauri Moyo, Nairobi.
The journalists were on the ground documenting the protests sparked by the alleged shooting of a teenage boy on the night of March 4, 2025.
Footage shared on social media showed some officers roughing up journalists while another group allegedly forced a cameraperson to delete her footage.
The episode invited outrage and condemnation from the media fraternity, with the Kenya Editors Guild(KEG) calling for the immediate arrest of officers involved.
"As journalists interviewed residents to piece together what had transpired, police officers—seemingly uncomfortable with the media presence—attacked them with batons, kicks, and slaps. This latest attack is further evidence of the shrinking space for media freedom in Kenya," KEG President Zubeidah Kananu said in a statement.
She called for compensation for the destruction of the journalists' media equipment and for police to issue a public apology over what she termed "primitive attacks on journalists."
In its response to the outrage, NPS said the incident was under investigation and action should be taken against officers found culpable.
In an update on Friday, the spokesperson said NPS is committed to upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as to foster relationships with the broader society, including the media.
He pointed out that a harmonious relationship between the media and the police is paramount considering the media and police both play a fundamental role in the furtherance of law and order.
"NPS acknowledges the media's crucial role in keeping the public informed and recognises that the media complements our mandate by fostering accountability and respect for the rule of law. Journalists are, therefore, our partners in the pursuit of truth and justice," he said.
Nyaga affirmed that NPS is committed to serving and protecting all persons in the country, including members of the media fraternity.
"NPS will continue striving to maintain a cordial relationship with the media and looks forward to enhancing collaboration through consultative meetings, joint training sessions, and adherence to professional ethics," Nyaga said.
The recent incident brought back memories of June 2024, when a number of journalists were assaulted and one in Nakuru shot by police as she covered anti-government protests.
