An Africa Uncensored journalist was on Wednesday, July 19, apprehended by unknown men in plain clothes driving an unmarked black Subaru.
In a statement, co-founder of Africa Uncensored John-Allan Namu affirmed that Calvin Rock was taking photos of the protests at Jacaranda Grounds where the opposition leader Raila Odinga has in the past held his rallies.
In the unusual arrest, Calvin identified himself as a journalist to the men who appeared to be police officers but was crammed into the back of the Subaru.
It is still unclear why the journalist was apprehended while he had all the credentials identifying him as a journalist working for Africa Uncensored.
In an update, Namu added that the journalist was taken to Kayole police station awaiting unclear charges punched against him.
Renowned journalist Stephen Letoo has urged journalists covering the opposition protests in the country to take caution and give their lives a top priority.
In a video, Letoo is seen getting ready to cover the anti-government protests by wearing personal protective equipment.
“It is always good to take precautionary measures especially when you are going to hard zones like today. Our safety is key,” he stated.
He also added that journalists should be branded as 'press' on their protective gear so that police may not mistake them for protesters.
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) outlines precautionary measures that journalists should observe while covering assignments that may expose their lives to danger.
The nationwide anti-government protest led by Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga has seen high-profile people connected to the opposition leader get arrested and individuals injured by police in various parts of the country.
The protests are set to continue for three days starting today July 19 to July 21. Raila had called on supporters to come out in large numbers to push the Kenya Kwanza administration to lower the cost of living.
