The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) has condemned an attack on journalists in Nairobi’s Majengo area, where an NTV cameraperson, a Nation photographer, and a reporter from The Star were assaulted while covering the shooting of a 17-year-old student in Majengo, Nairobi.
The incident, which escalated as journalists interviewed residents, saw police officers violently confront the media team, using batons and physical force.
The assaults occurred as the journalists sought to gather information about the tragic shooting. Reports indicate that police officers, uncomfortable with the media presence, pursued NTV cameraperson Wambui Kurema into her vehicle, where they forcibly deleted her footage. Nation photographer Denis Onsongo was also beaten while trying to assist Kurema.
In response to this alarming trend of violence against the press, the Kenya Editors’ Guild is demanding immediate accountability from the Inspector General of Police. Their demands include the arrest of the officers involved, compensation for the damaged equipment, and a public apology for the assaults, emphasizing that such attacks have no place in a democratic society.
“These incidents occur at a time when journalists are still recovering from the trauma of last year’s assaults during the Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024.” Read part of the statement signed by the Guild’s President, Zubeidah Kananu.
The Guild is calling for urgent action to ensure the safety and protection of journalists in Kenya, as ongoing attacks threaten the integrity of media freedom in the country.
