Journalists covering the anti-government protests and riots that have erupted in most Kenyan cities and towns have reported being shot at, teargassed and arrested by police as they go about their work.
The Tuesday incident where police officers in Nakuru City shot and injured Kameme TV Journalist Catherine Wanjeri along Kenyatta Avenue while covering the Generation Z protests is the latest aggression against members of the media during a day of unrest around the country.
Following that, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the independent national institution mandated to develop and regulate the media in Kenya in order to promote media freedom, professionalism and independence, has condemned violence against media crews across the country.
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“The shooting of Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a journalist attached to Kameme TV, while in the company of other journalists and the police is shameful and terrifying,” David Omwoyo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MCK, said in a statement. “We commend Catherine’s fellow Nakuru-based journalists for taking swift action to save her life. We wish her quick recovery and affirm our support.”
Journalists present at the scene said the police shot thrice at Catherine, who is currently receiving treatment and in a stable condition, as she scampered for safety when they lobbed teargas canisters at peaceful protestors to disperse them.
The Media Council CEO said that the act leaves little doubt the police have zero respect for the freedom of the press, and he is calling on watchdog agencies to probe the incident and arrest the assailants.
“To bring an end to this impunity, we call on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conclude investigations and bring the police terrorising journalists to justice,” said Mr Omwoyo.
Mr Omwoyo stated that journalists are among the guardians of our democracy, and their reporting on civil unrest over inequities in government is part of their role of informing the public and holding powerful institutions accountable.
As he finally urged the law enforcement agencies to respect the media and ensure the safety of journalists at all times, he advised the press members to prioritise their safety, uphold professionalism and take all necessary precautions while working in hostile environments.
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