Journalists across the country united in a powerful protest march to condemn police brutality against members of the media.
Carrying placards, the demonstrators accused the police of shooting and abducting journalists while they were performing their official duties.
This united front comes in the wake of multiple reports of journalists being injured while covering recent anti-government protests.
These protests feature both local and international media representatives.
Responding to recent violent attacks on journalists during the coverage of anti-finance bill protests.
Moreover, these events have escalated into broader anti-government demonstrations, drawing global attention.
Mwanaisha speaks out
Mwanaisha Chidzuga, Kenya’s Deputy Government Spokesperson, sparked controversy by dismissing allegations that police are intentionally targeting journalists.
Speaking on Wednesday on TV47, Chidzuga claimed that reports of assault and victimization are unfounded.
“I don’t think the police are intentionally harassing or attacking journalists,” she stated.
She also emphasized that journalists should ensure their safety by staying in secure areas during protests and positioning themselves alongside security personnel.
Chidzuga’s statement comes amid growing concerns over the treatment of media professionals covering unrest in the country.
Journalists demand justice
The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) delivered a petition to Police Spokesperson Resila Atieno Onyango, demanding urgent action over recent abuses against journalists.
The petition, intended for Acting Inspector General of Police Japhet Kanja, calls for:
- Accountability for illegal shootings, beatings, abductions, and harassment of journalists, with full transparency.
- Prosecution of rogue officers implicated in crimes against journalists and innocent protesters.
- Guarantees of safety for all amid escalating threats from state organs and officers.
- Cessation of veiled threats from the Communications Authority and other state bodies that endanger media freedom.
- Immediate gazettement of all Media Complaints Commission members and an end to interference by the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Digital Economy in media independence.
- Settlement of outstanding bills owed to media houses.
- Abolition of the Government Advertising Agency and an end to the use of state advertising as a tool to undermine media independence.
- End to media censorship and unrestricted access to information.
The demonstrators highlighted that these attacks are direct attempts to muzzle the press, threatening the very foundation of media freedom and democracy.
As the protest continues to gain momentum, the members of the fourth estate stand firm in their demand for justice, accountability, and the protection of their rights.
