The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a warning to members of the public following an incident where journalists were beaten up and robbed of their equipment and personal belongings.
The journalists were covering ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja on Saturday, July 10, in Nairobi's Mathare area when the unfortunate incident took place.
A section of youth commandeered their van and demanded money from them. When they indicated that they did not have any money, the youth attacked them.
In the document signed by Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo, MCK condemned the incident and urged political leaders to always control their supporters.
"We would like to caution members of the public against attacking journalists as this is a serious violation of freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information as provided for in the Constitution."
The matter was reported at the Muthaiga Police Station and investigations are underway.
"Journalists are messengers and should not be targeted for attack from any quarters. The Council takes this matter seriously.
"We urge the police to hasten investigations and subject the perpetrators to relevant legal sanctions."
The incident took place days after two women were accused of drugging and robbing a TV videographer of equipment worth Ksh300,000.
The women had booked a photoshoot with the journalist but turned against him once the set was ready.
"They (two women) offered me some coffee when I arrived. I felt drowsy and blacked out only to wake up two hours later."
