NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) has issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing and brazen attacks on journalists covering the Gen Z-led protests across the country.
KEG President Zubeidah Kananu expressed deep concern over the disturbing trend that has persisted since the protests began.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Kananu highlighted a recent incident involving Nakuru-based Kameme TV and radio correspondent Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki.
While covering anti-government protests in Nakuru on Tuesday, Kariuki was shot with rubber bullets, sustaining multiple wounds to her legs.
She is currently receiving medical treatment, with doctors confirming she was hit three times in the thighs.
Eyewitnesses allege that police officers targeted Kariuki despite her being clearly identified as press.
The attacks on journalists have not been isolated to Nakuru. In Nairobi, CNN photojournalist Fabien Muhire was reportedly sprayed with chemicals by police while performing his duties in the Central Business District.
These incidents are part of a broader pattern of harassment and violence against journalists that KEG has been monitoring.
“We condemn the harassment of journalists covering the protests,” Kananu stated. “We have repeatedly witnessed police attacking journalists with teargas canisters, dangerous chemicals, and destroying their equipment. This must stop.”
Kananu has called for a swift and thorough investigation into the attacks on Kariuki and Muhire to ensure that the “rogue culprits within the police” are brought to justice.
She also criticized the reckless use of live ammunition, harmful projectiles, and sprays aimed at journalists and unarmed protesters by security forces.
Quoting Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution, Kananu emphasized the right of every person to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.
“Citizens have a right to picket as the Constitution provides, and we expect law enforcement agents to abide by the law,” she said.
