Global media monitor International Press Institute (IPI) has asked the Kenyan government to stop the police harassment of journalists covering various public protests, including the ongoing one on taxation plan.
According to IPI, between June 18 and June 25, reporters have faced cases of physical assault, arrest and detention, and equipment damage by both the security forces and the protestors.
On June 25, more than 20 protestors were reportedly killed as a result of police firing live ammunition at protestors, it said.
However, President William Ruto said on June 26 in a national address that only six people were killed on a day of drama that saw the Kenyan Parliament overrun for the first time in the history of the country.
Hundreds were treated for possible gunshot wounds while bloggers and influencers were reported abducted from their homes in Nairobi, prompting a widespread condemnation from human rights activists and professional societies.
IPI has asked Kenya to stop all forms of pressure and attacks on the press and “investigate any incidents of violence, prioritize journalists’ safety, and guarantee unrestricted access to information including by keeping the internet on”.
IPI’s advocacy and partnerships head Nompilo Simanje said the organisation was “alarmed by the documented attacks on press freedom during the ongoing public protests in Kenya, a trend which was similarly noted during protests in the country in March 2023”.
Instead of the police attacking journalists “with impunity under the guise of dispersing protestors” they should “guarantee the safety of journalists and allow them to carry out their role of collecting and sharing information, which is itself critical for public order and security.”
IPI spoke on the day the police lobbed tear gas at the reception of Nation Media Group, a major multimedia organisation in east and central Africa, whose offices are in the heart of the city centre.
IPI said it recorded at least 12 cases of journalists attacked during the protests. Associated Press (AP) journalists Joe Muhia and Iddi Ali Juma were assaulted by the police and detained before being released, it said.
Others were Justus Mwangi Macharia of Standard Group who was arrested and assaulted. Sammy Kimatu of the Nation Media Group was also reported to have been thrown out of a moving police vehicle while Daily Nation columnist Gabriel Oguda was also abducted and later found in detention in Kajiado Police Station, tens of kilometres away from the Kenyan capital city.
Collins Olunga, a photojournalist for AFP was injured by the police while John Omido, a Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) videographer, was sprayed with water, and his equipment damaged by the anti-riot police.
Meanwhile, the media monitor said a YouTube video documented an attack on Ben Kirui of Citizen TV from protestors.
“We are saddened by the attacks on journalists covering the protests and call on the authorities to respect press freedom”, William Oloo, secretary general of the Congress of African Journalists, told IPI.
The authorities have also threatened to shut down broadcaster KTN over its live coverage of the protests.
Over the years, the Kenyan media have grappled with State high-handedness during protests and picketing as citizens and international organisations pushed for change and reforms.
The ongoing Finance Bill protests have largely been steered by the youth, categorised as Gen Zs and Millennials, who are pressing for the resignation of President Ruto, saying there was wanton looting while the heavily burdened taxpayers were getting the short end of the stick.
editor@aplain.co.ke
