Four journalists were violently attacked by police while covering protests in Nairobi on March 5. RSF has condemned these attacks and called for accountability. The assaults occurred following unrest triggered by the death of a teenager during a police operation. Such violence against media professionals has become recurrent in Kenya, raising serious concerns for their safety and freedom.
On March 5, four journalists faced violent attacks from police in eastern Nairobi while covering demonstrations. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned these incidents and calls upon the Kenyan police to identify and hold accountable those involved, aligning with their previous commitments. The demonstrations were sparked by the tragic death of a 17-year-old during a police operation the previous evening.
The journalists were reporting from Majengo in the Pumwani district when the assaults occurred. During their coverage, Justine Ondieki, a photojournalist for Eastleigh Voice, was viciously attacked by officers. NTV camerawoman Leah Wambui Kurema attempted to film the assault but was forcibly removed from her vehicle by a police officer, who then assaulted her and demanded she delete her footage.
In an attempt to assist, Dennis Onsongo, another photojournalist from NTV, was slapped by the police. Enos Teche from The Star was also obstructed from photographing the incident; he was confronted by officers, one wielding a baton, who instructed him to vacate the scene. Spokesman for the National Police Service, Muchiri Nyaga, condemned the violent actions and promised that steps would be taken to identify the officers involved.
The actions taken against the journalists are deemed unacceptable, highlighting the safety concerns facing media professionals in Kenya. RSF emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation and accountability from law enforcement. Following the assault, Ondieki suffered serious injuries, necessitating hospitalization after five hours of detention in a police vehicle, where his camera was damaged and footage erased.
This occurrence is not isolated; RSF has previously reported on violence against journalists in Kenya. In August 2024, they highlighted several incidents, including a case where a police officer shot rubber bullets at Kameme TV reporter Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, resulting in serious injuries amid protests. The continued targeting of media personnel raises significant concerns regarding freedom of the press in the region.
The violent treatment of journalists in Nairobi underscores severe safety concerns for media professionals in Kenya. Reporters Without Borders condemns these assaults, urging the police to uphold their commitment to hold perpetrators accountable. Continuous attacks on journalists during protests reflect a troubling trend, necessitating vigilant protection of press freedoms.
Original Source: rsf.org
