RSF Condemns Violent Assault on Journalists by Police in Nairobi Demonstration

On March 5, four journalists were violently assaulted by police in Nairobi, Kenya, while covering protests ignited by the death of a teenager. Reporters Without Borders condemned the incidents, calling for accountability from police. Notably, one journalist was hospitalized after severe physical abuse. RSF has previously reported similar recurring violence against media personnel during protests in the country.

On March 5, four journalists were violently assaulted by police while covering demonstrations in Nairobi’s Pumwani district, prompted by the death of a teenager during a police operation. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned these actions and urged the Kenyan police to identify and hold accountable those responsible.

During the incident, journalists from NTV witnessed Justine Ondieki, a photojournalist with Eastleigh Voice, being assaulted by police. When NTV camerawoman Leah Wambui Kurema attempted to document the event, a police officer forcibly removed her from her vehicle, assaulted her, and forced her to delete footage. Photojournalist Dennis Onsongo was slapped while trying to assist, and Enos Teche from The Star was obstructed from photographing the scene.

Muchiri Nyaga, spokesman for the National Police Service, condemned the violence and assured the public that the involved officers would be identified and disciplined. RSF characterized the police’s actions as severe attacks, highlighting the ongoing threats faced by journalists in Kenya. They called for swift action in alignment with the police’s commitment to accountability.

After the assault, Ondieki endured nearly five hours of detention in a police vehicle, where his equipment was damaged, confiscated, and its contents erased. He required hospitalization following the attack. This incident reflects a concerning pattern of aggression towards media professionals in Kenya, which RSF has previously reported on.

In August 2024, RSF documented similar attacks on journalists, including an incident where a police officer shot rubber bullets at Kameme TV reporter Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki during an anti-government protest, resulting in her injury. Such recurrent violence underscores the precarious situation for journalists covering protests in the country.

The violent attacks on journalists in Kenya during the March 5 demonstrations highlight ongoing issues regarding press freedom and safety in the region. RSF’s condemnation of the attacks and their call for accountability reflect a critical need for protective measures for media professionals. The recurrence of such violence signals a troubling trend that necessitates urgent attention from authorities to safeguard journalistic integrity in Kenya.

Original Source: rsf.org