NAIROBI, Kenya- Nation Media Group (NMG) has condemned the violent attack on two of its journalists while they were covering the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, describing the incident as an assault on press freedom and the public’s constitutional right to information.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NMG Board Chairman Joe Muganda said the attack on the media crew at A.C. Primary School polling station was not only directed at the journalists but also at the democratic principles of transparency and accountability.
“The assault on our journalists, during which an NTV cameraman was tased, beaten and his camera seized, while a Nation reporter was threatened at gunpoint and had her mobile phone forcibly taken, is an attack not only on members of our staff but also on the principles of press freedom and the public’s right to receive timely and accurate information,” Muganda said.
He added: “An attack on journalists is an assault on the public’s right to know.”
The journalists were attacked while covering voting in the closely watched Ol Kalou by-election, which has drawn national attention as a political test ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Muganda said elections are among the most critical democratic exercises and stressed that journalists play a vital role in promoting transparency, accountability and public confidence in the electoral process.
“Violence, intimidation or interference directed at journalists carrying out this responsibility has no place in a democratic society,” he said.
The media house reaffirmed its commitment to independent journalism, saying it would not be intimidated by acts of violence.
“Nation Media Group has, for more than six decades, remained steadfast in its commitment to responsible journalism, editorial independence and the highest professional standards. That commitment will not be diminished by acts of violence or intimidation,” Muganda said.
He called on security agencies to urgently investigate the attack, identify those responsible and ensure journalists covering matters of public interest are protected.
“I call upon the relevant authorities to move swiftly to investigate this incident, bring those responsible to justice and take the necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of journalists covering matters of public interest,” he said.
The NMG chairman also wished the injured journalists a speedy recovery and commended their professionalism and resilience despite the attack.
“Nation Media Group stands firmly with its journalists and with every media professional committed to informing the public without fear or favour. Protecting journalists is fundamental to protecting the freedoms upon which open and democratic societies depend,” he said.
The attack on the Nation crew came amid reports of other incidents targeting journalists during the Ol Kalou by-election, raising fresh concerns over media safety despite a heavy security deployment across the constituency.
Authorities had not announced any arrests over the attacks by the time of publication.