Media Council Of Kenya Issues Stern Warning To Protesters Infringing Freedom Of The Press
Following the ongoing Maandamano led by Azimio la Umoja coalition that has led to attacks on journalists and destruction of their field tools, Media Council of Kenya has issued a press statement giving a stern warning to law enforcers and demonstrators linked to violation of freedom of the press.
On Monday morning, demonstrators attacked Citizen Tv journalists and some international journalists bringing to halt their field activities.
In advent, law enforcers arrested African Uncensored journalists when covering demonstration event as nation vehicle got attacked.
” Our Africa Uncensored journalists, Calvin Rock and Clint Obere have been arrested by police while covering protests in Mathare. We aren’t sure where they are being taken at the moment. This is uncalled for, an affront to our freedom to do our jobs. They need to be released now,” Allan Namu manager of African Uncesored media said.
Media Council of Kenya( MCK) on the other hand has released a stern warning to law enforcers and demonstrators to respect the freedom of the press and human rights in accessing information.
” Reports of journalists being attacked by goons participating in the demonstrations and by law enforcement officers who are supposed to provide security cannot be tolerated.
” Police officers attacking journalists undermines press freedom, limits the public’s access to information, violated human rights and can cause physical or psychological harm” reads part of the statement.
MCK further says the attack on media demeans the spirit of mass action and betraying the foundation of democracy which it is founded on.
” The council is monitoring and will work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are held accountable for their actions.
“Attacks on journalists during demonstrations are serious concern and must be condemned by all those who values press freedom democracy” reads part of the statement.
The protesters who started demonstrating in the morning were joined by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at 2pm at Kawangware where law enforcement officers lobbed tear gas and exchanged mayhem run outs and innings with demonstrators.
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