The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned the arrests and attacks on journalists covering Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi’s Central Business district by armed police officers.
In a statement, the Council said it is dismayed that while journalists were relying on police to provide them with security in the line of duty, the security officers resorted to manhandling, harassing, arresting and assaulting them.
“This is despite the fact that the journalists were well identified with MCK press badges and press jackets. “ The statement read.
Among those who were targeted included Joe Muhia and Iddi Ali Juma of AP who were arrested and later released after being assaulted.
MCK noted that in an incident captured on video, Standard Group video editor Justice Mwangi Macharia was arrested and violently hauled out of a moving police motor vehicle, sustaining physical injuries.
Similarly, the Nation Media Group’s Taifa Leo reporter Sammy Kimatu was also thrown out of a moving police Land Rover, sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
Maureen Murethi (NTV ) has been hospitalised after police aimed a canister at her as she covered the protests as well.
“Today’s unfortunate events remind us that members of the National Police Service remain the weak link in Kenya’s quest for freedom of expression and freedom of the media as espoused in our Constitution. “ Stated MCK.
The Council has since called on the Inspector General of Police to rein in on his officers by ensuing that journalists are protected and not targeted for harassment while performing their duties in any working environment.
