On March 5, four journalists were attacked by police in Nairobi while covering protests sparked by a teenager’s death. Reporters Without Borders condemned the assaults and called for accountability from the police. This incident highlights ongoing dangers faced by journalists in Kenya.
On March 5, four journalists faced brutal attacks by police while reporting on demonstrations in eastern Nairobi, prompting strong condemnation from Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The media organization urges Kenyan authorities to hold the culpable officers accountable, as promised by police leadership. These incidents highlight the dangers journalists face when covering civil unrest in Kenya.
The unrest was triggered by the death of a 17-year-old during a police operation, escalating tensions in the Pumwani district. At approximately 10 a.m., journalists from NTV witnessed the violent assault of Justine Ondieki, a photojournalist for the Eastleigh Voice. During the attack, NTV camerawoman Leah Wambui Kurema was forcibly removed from her vehicle by a police officer from the General Service Unit (GSU), who aggressively assaulted her and ordered the deletion of her footage.
Dennis Onsongo, another photojournalist for NTV, was also assaulted by police while attempting to aid his colleague. In a separate instance, Enos Teche, who works for The Star, was obstructed from documenting the incident, with an officer threatening him with a baton. National Police Service spokesman Muchiri Nyaga publicly condemned the police actions and assured that those responsible would be identified.
RSF expressed particular concern about the violence demonstrated against the journalists, asserting that such actions are intolerable and reflective of the ongoing safety issues affecting media personnel in Kenya. After enduring significant physical harm, Ondieki was detained for nearly five hours, during which his equipment was damaged and its data erased, necessitating medical attention.
This attack is part of a disturbing trend of violence against journalists during protests in Kenya. RSF has previously flagged cases of police aggression against the press, including an incident in August 2024 involving Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki of Kameme TV, who suffered serious injuries from rubber bullets fired by the police. With continued assaults on media professionals, the need for protective measures and accountability remains critical.
The violent assault of four journalists by police in Nairobi underscores the urgent need for protective measures for media personnel in Kenya. RSF’s condemnation of these actions reflects the ongoing risks journalists face while covering civil demonstrations. The national police’s commitment to investigate these incidents must translate into tangible accountability to ensure the safety of the press and freedom of expression in the country.
Original Source: rsf.org
