The National Police Service (NPS) has strongly condemned an incident in which a police officer was reportedly caught on video deleting footage from an NTV camera crew during protests in Majengo, Nairobi, on Wednesday.
According to Nation, some police officers prevented a photographer from retrieving his camera, which had been placed inside a police van, while another officer allegedly erased crucial footage that had been captured during the chaotic scenes in Majengo.
“A police officer prevents a photographer from accessing his camera as another officer deletes footage recorded by the NTV crew during protests in the Majengo area of Nairobi,” Nation reported in a tweet. This action has raised serious concerns, especially since the Kenyan Constitution protects press freedom.
The journalists were in Majengo covering demonstrations sparked by the alleged fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy, Ibrahim Ramadhan. Reports indicate that the teenager was shot dead during a police operation on Tuesday night, leading to unrest in the area.
In response to the incident, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga issued a statement condemning the officer’s actions. “As a service, we are gravely concerned and strongly condemn such misconduct,” he stated.
The NPS has assured the public that a full investigation has been launched and that any officers found guilty of wrongdoing will face disciplinary measures. “Firm and decisive action will be taken against any officer found to have engaged in misconduct,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the NPS emphasized that it values a good working relationship with the media and remains committed to upholding press freedom and protecting journalists in accordance with the Kenyan Constitution and international standards.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has also raised alarm over police brutality during the recent protests. According to KHRC, at least eight people sustained gunshot wounds inflicted by police, with two fatalities reported.
The commission further revealed that six of the injured victims were admitted to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital for treatment. Additionally, one of the deceased was taken to the Nairobi Funeral Home, but the whereabouts of the second body remain unknown after police allegedly removed it.
Incidents of police harassment against journalists have been reported frequently over the years. During the nationwide protests against proposed tax hikes in June last year, multiple journalists were assaulted by police officers in Nairobi.
Among those injured was AFP journalist Collins Olunga, who was hit by a teargas canister. KBC photographer John Omido was targeted with chemically-laced water, while Standard journalist Jutus Mwangi was arrested and later thrown from a moving police vehicle.
In January this year, Standard Media Group journalist Daniel Chege was brutally assaulted by General Service Unit (GSU) officers while covering a peaceful protest in Molo, Nakuru County. Despite identifying himself as a journalist, Chege was beaten with batons, sustaining injuries to his left arm.
The latest incident in Majengo has sparked renewed concerns over police brutality and press freedom in Kenya, with human rights groups calling for accountability and justice.
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