The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned the arrest and attack meted on journalists who were covering Finance Bill 2024 protests on Tuesday, June 18th,2024.
In a statement, the council expressed its disappointment in the law enforcement system, stating that the police were to offer security to the media and not harass them.
”The Council is dismayed that while journalists were relying on police to provide them with security in the line of duty, the security officers resorted to manhandling, harassing, arresting and assaulting them,” read part of the statement.
MCK through its chairperson David Omwoyo called out the Inspector General of police Japhet Koome to rein in on his officers to ensure that journalists are protected in their line of duty.
”We call on the Inspector General of Police to rein in on his officers by ensuing that journalists are protected and not targeted for harassment while performing their duties in any working environment,” reads part of the statement.
The council termed the law enforcement system as the weak link in the country’s quest for freedom of expression and freedom of the media as stated in the Constitution.
PHOTO/The Kenya Times
The demonstrations dubbed #OccupyParliament took place in Nairobi city’s Central Business District with protesters rejecting the contentious bill saying its provisions would burden citizens.
Additionally, the council confirmed that the journalists were well identified with MCK press cards, badges and jackets while covering the protests but were still harassed by police officers.
”This is despite the fact that the journalists were well identified with MCK press badges and press jackets,” the council added.
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MCK Plea to IG Koome
Further the media council confirmed the journalists who were injured by police officers including Joe Muhia and Iddi Ali Juma of AP who were arrested and later released after being assaulted.
Additionally, in an incident captured on video journalists from the Standard group and Nation media houses were arrested, bruised and some recovering in the hospital after canisters were thrown at them.
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”Standard Group video editor Justice Mwangi Macharia was arrested and violently hauled out of a moving police motor vehicle, sustaining physical injuries. 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 hospitalized after police aimed a canister at her as she covered the protests,” said the council.
The council termed the law enforcement system as the weak link in the country’s quest for freedom of expression oof and freedom of the media as stated in the. Constitution
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PHOTO /The Kenya Times