The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has decried a continuing trend by police to harass journalists. In a press statement on March 6 2025, the council’s chief executive officer David Omwoyo Omwoyo said it had noted multiple incidents of harassment, temporary detentions and assault of journalists covering live protests and security operations.
In a strongly worded statement, the MCK called on the Inspector General of Police to launch a thorough investigation into the incidents and ensure those responsible were held accountable.
Curtailing Media Freedom in Kenya
MCK took concern with how police handled journalists who were covering protests following security operations in Gikomba, Majengo and Pumwani areas of the capital Nairobi on 5th March 2025.
The protests were sparked by the killing of two teenagers on March 4, who were allegedly shot by police.
During the operations, the police are accused by the media regulator of denying access to journalists, forcefully confiscation equipment and deleting footage, and destruction of camera equipment.
MCK pointed to the manhandling of Eastleigh Voice photojournalist Justine Ondieki who was temporarily detained in a GSU vehicle for several hours and his equipment destroyed.
Another case of brutality against journalists involved veteran NTV crew Dennis Onsongo, Fridah Okachi and Leah Wambui Kurema who wee denied access to the operation areas and footage captured by their photojournalist deleted.
Mr Omwoyo condemned the conduct of police terming it as violations of press freedoms.
“These violations of press freedom contravenes the constitutional rights guaranteed to journalists and goes against the journalists’ rights and privileges protected by law under the 2010 constitution and the Media Council Act, 2013. ~ David Omwoyo.
MCK said it was committed to defend media freedom and was ready to defend the rights of journalists across Kenya.
