Editors Guild Condemn Assault, Harassment of Journalists Covering Protests in Majengo: "Primitive"

• The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) condemned the police brutality against journalists covering protests in Majengo, Nairobi
• The demonstrations erupted after police allegedly shot and killed a 17-year-old boy, sparking public outrage
• Journalists, including an NTV cameraperson, a Nation photographer, and a local newspaper reporter, were attacked with batons, kicks, and slaps

The Kenya Editors Guild has strongly condemned the assault and harassment of Kenyan journalists who faced police brutality while covering protests in Majengo, Nairobi.

On Wednesday, March 5, Majengo locals took to the streets after police officers allegedly shot a 17-year-old boy who later succumbed to his injuries, sparking widespread protests and demands for justice.

According to a statement by the editors' guild, police officers meted out violence and harassment to several scribes who were undertaking the very-important duty of covering and informing the public on the demonstrations.

According to KEG, an NTV cameraperson, reporter, a Nation photographer and reporter from a local newspaper were harassed by police officers as they interviewed residents during the protests.

Read also

Kenyan Newspapers, March 6: Nairobi bishop forced to throw away phone after Kenyans' 'greetings'

The police officers allegedly descended on the journalists with batons, kicks and slaps as they were seemingly uncomfortable with the media presence in the area.

Further, the hostile law enforcers also allegedly pursued NTV cameraperson into the car where she had sought refuge, and they forced her to delete the footage she had recorded during the demos.

"In the ensuing struggle, Nation photographer Denis Onsongo was beaten as he attempted to assist his colleague," the statement read in part.

Blow to press freedom

Additionally, the Kenya Editors Guild castigated the law enforcement for continued disregard and intimidation of journalists, which occur against the backdrop of engagements with the authorities aimed at fostering an appreciation for journalists' work.

"This latest attack is further evidence of the shrinking space for media freedom in Kenya," the communique indicated.

The guild noted that the March 5 attack on journalists came at a time when many Kenyan scribes were still reeling from trauma inflicted by the police during the coverage of the June 2024 Gen-Z protests.

Read also

Majengo: NPS interdicts police officer who shot dead Form 3 student sparking violent protests

"Despite numerous cases being recorded and reported to the police, no meaningful action has been taken. "The continued targeting of journalists is unacceptable. We call on the relevant authorities to act swiftly to protect press freedom in Kenya," it stated.

Kenya Editors Guild demands to IG

Following the assault and harassment of journalists, the Kenya Editors Guild is now issuing demands to the Inspector General of Police.

The KEG demands that the IG take immediate action and arrest all the police officers who attacked journalists in Majengo.

Secondly, the guild is calling for compensation for the affected scribes for the destruction of their equipment.

The editors also want a public apology for the harassment, which they insist should never exist in a democratic world.

Form 3 boy's killing in Majengo

As earlier reported, the high school boy from Majengo was allegedly shot dead during a police operation in the area on Tuesday, March 4.

Read also

Nairobi: Police Houses, Vehicle Torched as Residents Protest Shooting of Form 3 Boy in Majengo

During the Wednesday protests, furious residents attacked and damaged police cars, and others blocked major roads in the area, demanding action on those behind the shooting.

Another man was shot dead during the protests.

Source: TUKO.co.ke