The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly condemned the recent violence against journalists who were covering the anti-government protests and riots in various Kenyan cities and towns.
These journalists have reported being shot at, teargassed, and arrested by police while performing their duties.
The latest incident occurred on Tuesday when police officers in Nakuru City shot and injured Catherine Wanjeri, a journalist from Kameme TV, along Kenyatta Avenue as she was covering the Generation Z protests, which enters it’s fourth week.
This event is part of a series of aggressions against media personnel during a day of nationwide unrest.
The MCK, an independent national body responsible for developing and regulating the media in Kenya to promote media freedom, professionalism, and independence, has denounced the violence against journalists.
David Omwoyo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MCK, stated, “The shooting of Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a journalist with Kameme TV, while she was with other journalists and the police is both shameful and terrifying. We commend her colleagues for their quick action to save her life. We wish her a speedy recovery and affirm our support.”
Journalists at the scene reported that the police fired three shots at Catherine, who is now receiving treatment and is in stable condition. She was trying to escape when the police used teargas canisters to disperse peaceful protestors.
The MCK CEO emphasized that this incident clearly shows the police’s lack of respect for press freedom and called on oversight agencies to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.
“To end this impunity, we urge the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to complete investigations and ensure that the police officers terrorizing journalists are brought to justice,” said Mr. Omwoyo.
He further noted that journalists play a crucial role in upholding democracy by reporting on civil unrest and holding powerful institutions accountable.
Mr. Omwoyo also urged law enforcement agencies to respect the media and ensure journalists’ safety at all times. He advised journalists to prioritize their safety, maintain professionalism, and take necessary precautions while working in hostile environments.