On March 5, 2023, four journalists were attacked by police in Nairobi while covering demonstrations related to a police operation. Reporters Without Borders condemned the violence and called for accountability from law enforcement. This incident highlights significant safety concerns for journalists in Kenya, prompting calls for action against the perpetrators involved.
On March 5, 2023, four journalists were violently attacked by police while covering demonstrations in the Pumwani district of Nairobi, following the tragic death of a 17-year-old during a police operation. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned these actions and demands accountability from the Kenyan police, who have pledged to identify and punish the perpetrators.
While the journalists were concluding their coverage, they witnessed the assault of reporter Justine Ondieki, a photojournalist working for the Eastleigh Voice. The situation escalated when Leah Wambui Kurema, a camerawoman from NTV, began filming the attack. An officer from the General Service Unit (GSU) forcibly removed her from her vehicle, assaulted her, and compelled her to erase her footage.
Dennis Onsongo, another photojournalist with NTV, faced police aggression as he attempted to assist Kurema. Additionally, Enos Teche from The Star was obstructed from photographing the incident; GSU officers intimidated him with a baton and ordered him to leave the scene. National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga publicly condemned the violence and stated that the involved officers would be identified and face consequences.
The aggressive actions against the journalists exemplify the ongoing threats faced by media professionals in Kenya during public demonstrations. RSF calls for the Kenyan authorities to ensure justice in this matter. Following the assault, Ondieki was detained for nearly five hours, during which time his camera was damaged, confiscated, and its footage deleted; he subsequently required hospitalization.
RSF has previously raised concerns over repeated violence against journalists in Kenya. In August 2024, the organization documented six incidents including an attack on Kameme TV reporter Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, who was struck by rubber bullets during an anti-government protest, highlighting the persistent dangers journalists endure in the pursuit of their work.
The recent violent attacks on journalists in Kenya underscore a pressing issue of safety for media professionals, particularly in politically charged environments. Reporters Without Borders has emphasized the need for accountability from law enforcement to ensure the protection of journalists and uphold their right to report without fear of retribution. Addressing these matters is essential for fostering a free and secure press in Kenya.
Original Source: rsf.org
