The National Police Service has responded to a spate of criticism following the chaos witnessed during the Madaraka Day event at the Raila Odinga Stadium on Sunday, June 1, that left several journalists nursing injuries.
In a statement, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga denied claims that journalists were specifically targeted by authorities after several members of the press were allegedly clobbered by police officers while attempting to enter the venue.
According to police, the injured journalists happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time as authorities tried to apply crowd control measures to contain a group who wanted to gain unauthorised access to the president's inner circle.
"There was significant pushing and shoving by groups of youths attempting to force entry into the stadium. This compelled security officers at the presidential entrance to act appropriately to prevent unlawful intrusion," the statement read.
The police's response came hours after the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) condemned what it described as a 'worrying pattern of hostility from the state towards the media'.
The council highlighted several incidents where journalists were subjected to physical and mental chaos, including a harrowing ordeal at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County.
The Standard detailed the journalists who were injured during the melee, including TV producers Steve Okedi and Marble Achieng from KTN and NTV, respectively, as well as Journalist Ephantus Maina from Royal Media Services and NTV's George Odiwuor.
This incident, according to MCK, was a blatant disregard of journalists' welfare. The council further urged reconciliatory measures as they called for better protection of media personnel, especially during high-profile events.
But in a rejoinder, the police dismissed claims that there was a feud between the service and the media, adding that there was no attempt to target or harm members of the media.
“At no point were police officers targeting the media during this incident,” the NPS added. “We maintain that the media and the police share a symbiotic relationship, each fulfilling their professional roles.”
The NPS also warned journalists to prioritise their safety when attending volatile environments for media coverage.
Sunday's Madaraka Day celebrations saw the Raila Odinga Stadium reach its 20,000-seat capacity, with authorities at one point becoming overwhelmed by the crowd and eventually allowing previously locked-out residents into the venue.
