MCK To Police,Protesters: Stop Attacking Journalists
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called on barbarians attacking the media to stop and respect the freedom for press.
In a statement released on 30th March 2023, the council has filed 25 cases of attacks and harassment meted on journalists while in line of duty.
The council has also noted the sects of attacks as photography and camera persons who are the victims of the ongoing opposition government demonstrations.
” March 2023 remains the darkest month for Kenyan media since the clamour for multiparty democracy. We have so far documented 25 cases of attacks on local and foreign journalists at the hands of State and non-State actors since the onset of the demonstrations” reads part of MCK statement.
Following the malicious and inhumane attacks on innocent journalists where some have lost valueable tools of work and press cards vandalized by some law enforcements, MCK CEO, David Omwoyo has told the public to respect journalists’ work.
“Journalists are not contestants in the current political processes and it is unwarranted, gross violation of human rights and impediment to democracy to target them, while knowing they have a duty to inform the public on such matters of public interest”, Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo.
On Monday, 27th March; Nation Media Group (NMG) journalist was attacked by law enforcers in Nairobi, harassed, pictorials in his camera deleted and press card vandalized.
The same Monday, NMG vehicle parts were vandalized by the ongoing opposition demonstrations, Citizen Tv journalist attacked and African Uncensored journalists arrested at Mathare by the police while in line of duty.
” 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.
On Thursday, 30th March, the day remains a dark day in Kenya’s highly profiled media houses where journalists were mentally and physically attacked and harmed.
NTV cameraman Eric Isinta was lobbied two tear gas by law enforcers on the face and abdomen as KTN journalist Tom Abuna and Dismas Nabiswa (Citizen Tv) also attacked while in line of duty.
The horrendous inferno has now called upon the media to advocate for media freedom and rights in respect to Kenya’s constitution, right to have access to information.
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