MCK Calls Out IG Kanja Over Complacency After Police’s Assault On NTV Journalists
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja to take action after officers harassed journalists.
This comes after NTV journalists were beaten while covering rallies in Nairobi’s Majengo, Gikomba, and Pumwani neighborhoods on Wednesday, March 5.
On Thursday, March 6, MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo stated that police harassed, temporarily arrested, and destroyed the equipment of numerous Nation Media Group and Eastleigh Voice journalists during the protests.
“Among those affected was Justine Ondieki, a photojournalist with Eastleigh Voice, who was temporarily detained in the General Service Unit (GSU) vehicle stationed near Gikomba for several hours,” he said.
“He was reportedly rough-handled, resulting in damage to his equipment.”
“Similarly, NTV journalists Fridah Okachi, Dennis Onsongo, and Leah Wambui Kurema were denied access to the operation zone,” he added.
Silencing the Press silences the truth. pic.twitter.com/nouh4kcPWF
— Media Council of Kenya (@MediaCouncilK) March 6, 2025
“Their cameraperson, who reported being assaulted, had footage forcibly deleted from her camera.”
Omwoyo has urged the Inspector General of Police to begin investigations and hold those implicated accountable.
The CEO stated that the officers’ actions violated the constitutional rights of journalists and the public’s right to be informed.
“The public has a right to be informed about events affecting society, and such actions hinder that process,” he stated.
“The MCK calls on the Inspector General of Police to launch thorough investigations into these incidents and ensure those responsible for the unlawful acts are held accountable.”
“The council stands in solidarity with the affected journalists and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending media freedom and protecting the rights of journalists across Kenya,” he said.
The aforementioned journalists were covering demonstrations that broke out on Wednesday, March 5.
Police Cross The Line, Assault Journos:
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) March 5, 2025
Police officers assault journalists who went to Majengo to gather information following the death of a high school boy.#NTVTonight @DannMwangi pic.twitter.com/baRTTmU9C9
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According to reports, the protests began after an alleged fatal shot of a little kid by a police officer on the night of Tuesday, March 4, in Majengo.
On Wednesday morning, police were dispatched to the area to settle the situation, firing tear gas at the protesting youngsters, but tensions remained high.
According to social justice groups, numerous persons were injured as police officers attempted to separate the boisterous throng.
Unconfirmed sources also claimed that irate youths demolished an administrative office.
MCK Calls Out IG Kanja Over Complacency After Police’s Assault On NTV Journalists
