NAKURU, Kenya – In a stance against recent violations of press freedom, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has condemned the alarming attacks on journalists.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo delivered a powerful statement denouncing these incidents as a severe infringement on democratic rights enshrined in the Constitution.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by two shocking events: the shooting of Catherine Wanjeri, a journalist for Media Max, and the abduction of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho.
Wanjeri was shot three times in the thigh while covering anti-government protests in Nakuru, despite being clearly identifiable as press.
Gaitho, on the other hand, was abducted and later released, with police apologizing for a case of mistaken identity.
“These incidents represent serious violations of press freedom, crucial for democracy,” Odhiambo stated. “As the Law Society of Kenya, we will continue to monitor developments across the country and offer our support to all those in need. We remain dedicated to our statutory mandate of upholding the constitution, and we urge members of the public to report all incidences to the Law Society of Kenya to enable expeditious intervention.”
Odhiambo emphasized that the LSK has been responsive to calls from the public regarding human rights violations, reinforcing their commitment to protect and advocate for journalists and other citizens alike.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Kenya Editors’ Guild joined the LSK in condemning the attacks.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo expressed his outrage, calling the shooting of Wanjeri “shameful and terrifying.”
“The shooting of Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a journalist attached to Kameme TV, while in the company of other journalists and the police, is an egregious violation,” Omwoyo said.
In solidarity, journalists in Nakuru held a peaceful protest on Wednesday, marching through the city’s main streets to highlight the attack on their colleague.
They paused at the site where Wanjeri was shot before proceeding to the Nakuru central police station, seeking an audience with the county police commander, Samuel Ndanyi.
Wanjeri, who was wearing a press jacket, media tag, and branded microphone at the time of the shooting, was initially treated at Valley Hospital before being referred to Rift Valley Provincial Hospital for surgery.
All three rubber bullets lodged in her thigh were successfully removed, and she is reportedly responding well to treatment.
The incidents have sparked a national conversation about the safety of journalists and the critical role of a free press in maintaining democracy.
The LSK and other organizations continue to call for accountability and protection for media personnel, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any violations.
