Gen Z Demos Turn Violent: 24 Journalists Attacked by Police, MCK Calls for Action
A disturbing wave of violence marred the recent Gen Z demonstrations, as police officers reportedly attacked and injured 24 journalists covering the events, according to the Media Council of Kenya (MCK). The council, led by CEO David Omwoyo, has strongly condemned these acts of brutality, urging swift investigations and prosecution of the responsible officers.
Speaking at a media stakeholder’s roundtable in Naivasha, Omwoyo highlighted the growing concern over the safety of journalists in Kenya, noting that cases of police brutality against media personnel have become alarmingly frequent. He called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa), the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.
Paul Ilado, the Radio Africa Group head of content and representative of the Kenya Editors Guild, echoed Omwoyo’s sentiments. He emphasized the blatant violations of press freedom witnessed during the demonstrations, where journalists were attacked in plain sight. Ilado urged the justice system to act swiftly in prosecuting those responsible for these attacks, stressing the need for tangible actions to protect the media.
Ilado also raised concerns about the financial struggles plaguing media houses, which have led to closures, delayed salaries, and mass layoffs. He called for sustainable solutions to these challenges to ensure that journalism can continue to hold the government accountable. Furthermore, he urged the government to protect media outlets from the unfair competition posed by big tech companies, which he claims are siphoning off critical advertising revenue.
Demus Kiprono, chairperson of the Media Complaints Commission, affirmed the constitutional guarantee of media freedom under Article 34 and stressed the importance of protecting journalists from harm. He revealed that since the recent reconstitution of the commission board, eight complaints related to media freedom violations have been received, and efforts are underway to resolve these issues through mediation.
The MCK’s strong stance reflects the urgent need for action to safeguard press freedom in Kenya, ensuring that journalists can perform their crucial role in democracy without fear of violence or retaliation.
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Gen Z Demos Turn Violent: 24 Journalists Attacked by Police, MCK Calls for Action