Eastern Africa Editors Society condemns attacks on Journalists in Kenya

On Monday 18th Oct, while covering a police raid at a possible chang’aa den in Katine village, in Machakos, two journalists were seriously hurt and one was left unconscious.

The local chief Francis Mulinge had asked the journalists, Mike Ndunda from Kamba TV, Richard Muasya from Athiani FM, and Boniface Mutisya from Mutongoi TV, to cover the raid in the Katine area. The Media Council Society of Kenya through the CEO Mr David Omwoyo condemned the attacks through a press release saying, “The Media Council of Kenya strongly condemns the attack on journalists who were covering a security operation at an illegal alcohol brewing den in Matungulu, Machakos County on 18th September 2023. We wish to remind members of the public that freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of a democratic society, and journalists play a crucial role in keeping the public informed by highlighting societal evils. It is essential that journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence or intimidation”

So far two arrests have been made in relation to the attacks, Machakos police boss Patrick Lobolia, said the two were apprehended after officers reacted to the incident on Monday morning.

In a separate event, on 20th September 2023, a police officer was caught on video harassing a journalist as he and his colleagues covered protests by council workers at Langata Cemetery in Nairobi. In the video clip aired by Citizen TV, the crew recorded the unidentified officer who is seen pushing journalists as they covered police lobbing teargas at the protesting workers and at one point pushed the cameraman who was recording. 

The recent attack on members of the fourth estate who play a crucial role in informing and educating the public is uncalled for, as Eastern Africa Editors Society, we join colleagues as media stakeholders to condemn these attacks and call for speedy investigations into the matter to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.

The affected journalists among them Citizen TV Reporter Mary Muoki say the difference between the officers and the members of the press arose after journalists questioned police's move to lob teargas at mourners injuring two in the process.

The Eastern Africa Editors Society, strongly condemn any acts of violence or harassment against journalists, whether perpetrated by members of the public or law enforcement officers. These attacks on the press not only undermine the fundamental principles of freedom of the press and freedom of expression but also pose a significant threat to the health of our democracy.