NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) has condemned the alleged assault of journalists by police officers in Nairobi’s Shauri Moyo estate, calling for swift action against those responsible.
The incident occurred on Wednesday as reporters covered protests in the Majengo area, sparked by the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old boy the previous night.
Witnesses say officers turned on journalists, using batons, kicks, and slaps to obstruct them from documenting the unrest.
KEG president Zubeidah Kananu denounced the attacks as “primitive” and a blatant violation of press freedom.
She demanded the immediate arrest of the officers involved, compensation for damaged equipment, and a public apology from the authorities.
“As journalists interviewed residents to piece together what had transpired, police officers—seemingly uncomfortable with the media presence—attacked them,” Kananu said. “This latest attack is further evidence of the shrinking space for media freedom in Kenya.”
STATEMENT:KEG is outraged by the continued and primitive attacks on journalists. Today, NTV cameraperson, a reporter, Nation photographer,& The Star reporter were assaulted in Majengo, Nrb. We condemn this assault and call on relevant authorities to act to protect #PressFreedom.
Among the victims were a camera operator and reporter from NTV, a photographer from Nation, and a reporter from The Star.
Kananu detailed how one journalist was pursued to her car, where officers forcibly deleted her footage. When a colleague intervened, he was beaten.
Kananu lamented that despite repeated engagements with security agencies, journalists continue to face harassment, violence, and intimidation while on duty.
“No meaningful action has been taken despite numerous cases being reported. The police either disregard journalists’ role or deliberately target them,” she said.
She also noted that the attack comes as media professionals are still reeling from last year’s police brutality against journalists covering Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
The National Police Service (NPS) responded to the allegations, stating that the incident was under investigation.
Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga assured that any officer found culpable would face disciplinary action.
“The National Police Service maintains a cordial relationship with the media and is committed to safeguarding and promoting media freedom,” Nyaga said. “We reassure the public that decisive action will be taken against any officer found to have engaged in misconduct.”
PRESS STATEMENT : ALLEGATIONS OF POLICE OBSTRUCTING JOURNALISTS
Despite these assurances, press freedom advocates remain skeptical, citing a history of impunity in cases of violence against journalists.
