A female police officer was on Wednesday, September 20 captured harassing journalists covering Lang'ata Cemetery staff staging a strike over unpaid dues.
In a widely circulated video, the police officer wearing a blue uniform was seen shoving the journalists and threatening to beat them up.
“Remove your things there” the police officer could be heard yelling at the journalists.
The scuffle led to an exchange of words between the police and one of the journalists, prompting the police officer to shove them away.
Before the confrontation ensued, the police officer was seen rushing toward the journalists after spotting them reporting live on location, setting the stage for the spat.
“We are live and at work, we are doing a live coverage” one of the journalists defended herself.
The journalists, aggrieved by the hostility displayed by the officer, questioned why the law enforcement personnel had resorted to the extremes, yet they were only carrying out their duty.
“Why are you harassing us, this is harassment, we pay you with our taxes and we are at work” questioned one of the journalists.
Following this exchange, the female police officer could be seen pushing the journalists together with their equipment.
Today’s unfolding comes against the backdrop of a press statement by the Media Council Of Kenya (MCK) issued on Tuesday warning against the harassment of journalists.
MCK was condemning an attack against three journalists who were covering a security operation at an illegal alcohol brewing den in Matungulu, Machakos County on September 18, 2023.
“We wish to remind members of the public that freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of a democratic society, and journalists play a crucial role in keeping the public informed by highlighting societal evils. It is essential that journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence or intimidation,” MCK’s statement read in parts.