Media leadership calls for prosecution of police who assaulted journalists during demos

Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Omwoyo said that 24 cases of police brutality against journalists in the line of duty have so far been reported as relevant authorities gather more evidence to enable prosecution of identified police officers.

“We have 24 cases, we haven’t seen any prosecution as yet. Investigations are either ongoing or evidence gathering,” said Omwoyo.

While noting a deteriorating relationship between the media and the government, Omwoyo called on the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Inspector General of Police to expedite investigations on recent cases to ensure identified perpetrators are charged for their unprovoked actions.

Speaking in Naivasha during a Media Stakeholders roundtable, the MCK CEO said there is a need to strengthen government-media relations, enhance the safety of journalists and serve justice to attacked journalists recorded recently.

On his part, Paul Ilado, Radio Africa Group Head of Content, called on actors in the justice system to speed up investigations as recent protests brought forth clear violations of press freedom as media personnel were physically attacked in full glare of cameras. 

“It is evident that there is need to find a solution to this problem. Whereas journalists have a responsibility, the police have one too. Where is the middle ground? It is important for journalists themselves to report the cases to police and follow up with subsequent statements to enable prosecution,” said Ilado.

He also pointed out financial constraints facing media houses that have led to closure, delayed salaries and layoffs. 

According to Ilado, there is a need to find a sustainable solution to the financial challenges facing media companies to ensure the press plays its key mandates. He called on the government to support local media houses from the skewed competition posed by Big Tech companies that continue to deny them advertising revenue.

Demas Kiprono, the Chairperson of Media Complainants Commission noted that journalists performing their duty must be recognised and protected from harm and attacks. 

Kiprono argued that media freedom is established in Article 34 of Kenya’s constitution, hence should be upheld. 

Among the attendees of the forum were Royal Media Services’ Group Editorial Director Linus Kaikai and Managing Editor, Radio, Young Muthomi.