RSF Condemns Police Violence Against Journalists in Nairobi Demonstrations
On March 5, four journalists were attacked by police during protests in Nairobi. Reporters Without Borders condemned the violence and urged for accountability from the Kenyan police. The incidents are part of a troubling trend of targeting journalists during unrest in the country.
On March 5, four journalists faced brutal assaults from police while covering demonstrations in Nairobi’s Pumwani district. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned these actions, urging the Kenyan police to identify and hold accountable those responsible.
The unrest had begun the previous evening, triggered by the death of a teenager during a police operation. As journalists prepared to leave, police violently attacked Justine Ondieki, a reporter with the Eastleigh Voice. NTV camerawoman Leah Wambui Kurema was also assaulted after filming the incident, prompting police to delete her footage.
Dennis Onsongo from NTV attempted to assist Kurema but was slapped by police. Enos Teche, a photojournalist with The Star, was prevented from photographing the scene as officers ordered him to leave, brandishing a baton to intimidate him. National Police Service spokesman Muchiri Nyaga condemned the attacks and pledged that action would follow.
RSF highlighted that forcibly removing a journalist from her vehicle and damaging her equipment exemplifies the dangers media professionals face in Kenya. Ondieki was detained in a police vehicle for nearly five hours, during which his camera was confiscated and its contents erased, leading to his hospitalization.
Violence against journalists during protests in Kenya is a recurring issue. RSF previously reported incidents such as the August 2024 attack on Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki of Kameme TV, who was shot with rubber bullets while covering an anti-government protest. The organization called for serious investigations into such incidents to ensure the protection of journalists.
In summary, the violent attacks on journalists in Kenya during protests illustrate significant safety concerns for media professionals. RSF’s call for accountability highlights the need for protective measures within the law enforcement framework to safeguard press freedom. The pattern of violence against journalists necessitates immediate action and thorough investigation by Kenyan authorities.
Original Source: rsf.org
