NAIROBI, Kenya- Amnesty International Kenya has raised alarm over what it describes as a growing pattern of harassment, obstruction and violence against journalists covering political and public events in the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Nairobi, the rights group said journalists have been increasingly targeted between February and May 2026 while carrying out their duties at rallies, state functions and political gatherings.
In the statement, the lobby group Executive Director Irungu Houghton cited incidents including the violent assault of reporters at a political rally in Trans Nzoia County, where journalists were reportedly beaten, equipment damaged and footage deleted.
He also pointed to cases in Nairobi and Nyeri where journalists were allegedly threatened, blocked or ejected from events despite identifying themselves as members of the press.
Recent high-profile government events, including the Naivasha Education Conference and the ongoing Africa Forward Summit, were also flagged as having seen journalists denied access or intimidated.
He said the incidents point to a wider pattern in which political gatherings are becoming increasingly unsafe for media practitioners, with both private security personnel and law enforcement officers accused of operating with impunity.
The organisation further raised concern over reports that journalists are being monitored and targeted based on content shared on their private social media accounts, suggesting a broader culture of surveillance beyond formal reporting spaces.
According to the statement, these actions are contributing to a “chilling effect” on media freedom, forcing journalists into self-censorship and undermining constitutional protections.
It warned that such developments violate Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and media freedom.
“Journalists are not guests at political or public events. They are constitutional actors performing a public role central to democratic accountability,” he said.
The rights group also criticised the rejection by the National Assembly of a proposed Sh826 million plan aimed at settling government debt owed to media houses, saying it further threatens the financial sustainability of independent journalism.
Amnesty called on political leaders and state officers to ensure safe media access, refrain from intimidation and publicly condemn attacks on journalists.
It also urged the National Police Service to protect journalists during assignments, investigate violations independently and hold perpetrators accountable.
Oversight bodies including the Media Council of Kenya and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority were also urged to strengthen monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
The organisation warned that failure to address the issue could undermine democratic processes ahead of the 2027 general election.
“There can be no free and fair elections without an independent and unfettered press,” the statement added.
