NAIROBI, Kenya – The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has criticised the assault of journalists and the seizure of media equipment during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.
In a statement released on Thursday, the council described the incidents as a serious violation of media freedom and the public’s constitutional right to receive information.
“The Media Council of Kenya strongly condemns the assault on journalists and confiscation of media equipment by armed people during the Ol Kalou constituency by-election,” MCK said.
The council urged security agencies to end attacks targeting members of the press and ensure accountability for those behind the incidents.
“These continued attacks and impunity against journalists must come to an end, and the perpetrators must be held legally accountable.”
MCK said the attacks reflected a broader pattern of intimidation aimed at discouraging journalists from carrying out their professional duties during elections.
“The Council views these continued attacks as more than isolated press freedom violations, but deliberately orchestrated security actions aimed at intimidating media workers into censorship and fear, thereby denying the public their right to accountable and peaceful electoral participation,” the statement said.
According to the council, several accredited journalists were attacked and had their equipment taken while reporting on the by-election.
Among them was The Star photojournalist Enos Teche, who was covering a confrontation involving residents and occupants of three vehicles outside Ol Kalou Comprehensive School. MCK said armed, masked individuals allegedly arrived at the scene, fired shots into the air and threw teargas canisters before confronting the journalist, demanding his camera, assaulting him and confiscating the equipment.
The council said Teche suffered a hand injury and later recorded a statement with detectives at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations office in Ol Kalou.
MCK also reported that Nation Media Group journalist Brygettes Ngana and her cameraperson were allegedly assaulted and had their camera confiscated by individuals believed to be plainclothes police officers, although it noted that their identities had not been officially established.
The council called on the relevant police commanders to identify those involved, ensure the immediate and unconditional return of all seized media equipment and cooperate fully with investigations into the incidents.
It also appealed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to take swift action to hold those responsible accountable.
“The Council remains firmly committed to the protection of journalists and the defence of press freedom,” it said.
MCK said it would pursue the matter with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Ol Kalou, the Inspector General of Police and, where necessary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure justice is served.
The council added that holding those responsible accountable would be essential in preventing similar incidents in future elections, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.