The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja to take action following the harassment of journalists by police while covering demonstrations in the Majengo, Gikomba, and Pumwani areas in Nairobi on Wednesday, March 5.
In a statement on Thursday, March 6, MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said that police harassed, temporarily detained, and destroyed the equipment of several journalists from the Nation Media Group and Eastleigh Voice during the protests.
"Among those affected was Justine Ondieki, a photojournalist with Eastleigh Voice, who was temporarily detained in the General Service Unit (GSU) vehicle stationed near Gikomba for several hours. He was reportedly rough-handled, resulting in damage to his equipment," he said.
"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," he added.
Omwoyo has urged the Inspector General of Police to launch investigations and ensure that those involved in the incidents are held into account.
The CEO noted that the actions of the officers contravened the constitutional rights of journalists and the public’s right to be informed.
"The public has a right to be informed about events affecting society, and such actions hinder that process. The MCK calls on the Inspector General of Police to launch thorough investigations into these incidents and ensure those responsible for the unlawful acts are held accountable," he stated.
"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," he said.
The said journalists were covering demonstrations that erupted on Wednesday, March 5.
According to reports, the protests erupted following the alleged fatal shooting of a young boy by a police officer on the night of Tuesday, March 4, in Majengo.
On Wednesday morning, police were deployed to the area to calm the situation and fired tear gas at the protesting youths, but tensions remained high. Reports from social justice groups indicated that several people were injured as police officers attempted to disperse the rowdy crowds.
Unconfirmed reports also suggested that an administrative office was destroyed by the angry youths.
