Editors Guild Issues Statement After Attack On Journalists At A UDA Meeting
The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has condemned a violent attack on two journalists who were assaulted while covering a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting in Cherangany, Trans Nzoia County, on Friday, March 20.
In a statement on Saturday, March 21, the organisation’s president, Zubeidah Kananu, described the incident as a “brazen act of violence” and a direct threat to media freedom and the public’s right to information.
“The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) strongly condemns the violent attack on journalists Gilbert Sitati of Standard Group and George Njoroge of Mediamax, who were assaulted while covering a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting in Cherangany, Trans Nzoia County,” the statement read.
The organisation said the journalists were carrying out their professional duties before being set up in connection with coverage of a controversial fake ambulance procurement deal linked to Harambee House.
Kananu condemned the attack, saying it infringes on media freedom and the public’s right to information.
She added that journalists play a critical role in holding leaders accountable and informing the public about important matters.
Any attempt to intimidate, harass, or harm journalists in the execution of this duty, she said, undermines democratic principles and erodes accountability.
“KEG is deeply concerned by the growing trend of hostility and violence directed at journalists, particularly in politically charged environments,” it added.
“Such actions foster a climate of fear and self-censorship, ultimately weakening the media’s ability to serve the public interest.”
Adding, “This brazen act of violence against members of the press is not only unacceptable but a direct affront to media freedom and the public’s right to information.”
In a video that has since gone viral, two Standard Group journalists appeared to be confronted by several men, before a scuffle ensued during the function.
Preliminary reports indicate the altercation was over a story published in The Standard, which linked a Senator to a controversial ambulance tender.
In the videos that were widely shared online on Friday, one of the journalists is heard pleading with the attackers to no avail, as the attackers continued to attack.
“Do not kill me. I am going to delete the footage. Why are you assaulting me?” the journalist was heard pleading before managing to escape.
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Following the incident, KEG called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to launch immediate, transparent investigations, identify those responsible, and ensure they are prosecuted without delay.
Failure to identify those accountable for the attacks, the organisation said, would prompt it to pursue legal action, including private prosecution.
Further, KEG urged political leaders and their supporters to respect the media’s role and ensure the safety of journalists covering public events, warning against turning political spaces into “zones of lawlessness.”
Kananu expressed solidarity with the injured journalists and others facing threats in the line of duty.
She called on witnesses and members of the public to come forward with information to support accountability efforts.
Editors Guild Issues Statement After Attack On Journalists At A UDA Meeting
