Media Council condemns assault, arrest of journalists during anti-Finance Bill demos

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has lashed out at the police following incidents of harassment and arrest of journalists who were covering protests against the contentious Finance Bill, 2024 in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday.

MCK CEO David Omwoyo termed the attacks by armed police officers, who were supposed to protect the journalists, as unwarranted since the press men and women sufficiently identified themselves  using their accredited media badges and jackets.

He went on to identify at least five journalists who were unjustifiably attacked and arrested while in the line of duty at the ‘Occupy Parliament’ protests, among them two from international media houses and three attached to local outlets.

“Among those who were targeted included Joe Muhia and Iddi Ali Juma of AP who were arrested and later released after being assaulted. In an incident captured on video, Standard Group video editor Justice Mwangi Macharia was arrested and violently hauled out of a moving police motor vehicle, sustaining physical injuries,” stated Mr. Omwoyo.

“Nation Media Group's Taifa Leo reporter Sammy Kimatu was also thrown out of a moving police Land Rover, sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment. Maureen Murethi (NTV ) has also been hospitalised after police aimed a canister at her as she covered the protests.”

He added: “Today's unfortunate events remind us that members of the National Police Service remain the weak link in Kenya's quest for freedom of expression and freedom of the media as espoused in our Constitution.”

The MCK boss further urged Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to put a leash on the rogue officers and ensure that journalists are always protected - not targeted for harassment - while performing their duties.