The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has raised serious concerns over what it calls a growing pattern of hostility towards journalists, issuing a stern warning to the government following several troubling events.
In a powerful statement released on Sunday, June 1, the MCK expressed deep alarm over repeated cases of harassment targeting members of the press.
The council said the recent actions by government officials and others associated with state events suggest a deliberate attempt to silence journalists — a move that clearly violates Article 34 of the Kenyan Constitution, which protects media freedom.
The MCK pointed to multiple disturbing incidents, including a chaotic event that took place during Madaraka Day celebrations at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County.
Six journalists from leading media houses — Standard Media Group, Nation Media Group, and Royal Media Services — were physically attacked and had their personal belongings stolen.
According to The Standard, those injured included TV producers Steve Okedi from KTN and Marble Achieng from NTV.
Also hurt were journalist Ephantus Maina from Royal Media Services and NTV’s George Odiwuor. These media professionals were caught up in a violent scuffle involving unidentified individuals described as goons.
The MCK condemned the attack, describing it as a clear example of the dangers journalists are now facing in the line of duty.
The council emphasized that this kind of violence against the press must stop, urging organizers of public events — especially state functions — to take full responsibility for ensuring the safety of all journalists present.
“The MCK strongly condemns this behaviour and urges those responsible to engage in dialogue and take steps towards reconciliation,” the council said in its statement. “Most importantly, journalists’ safety must be a top priority during all major public events.”
Recent events have added to a growing list of challenges faced by Kenyan journalists. Just a day before the Madaraka Day incident, on May 31, two KTN journalists were reportedly denied access to cover a joint media briefing between President William Ruto and Slovenia’s President Nataša Pirc Musar.
The council criticized such acts of exclusion, noting that journalists who are officially accredited should not be forced to beg for access to state functions.
The MCK said such behaviour is not just an intimidation tactic but also a form of economic sabotage, particularly in an era where newsrooms compete to produce timely and accurate content.
“It is unacceptable that accredited journalists must plead to be allowed to do their job. Such gatekeeping tactics spread fear, limit access to vital information, and directly impact the media’s ability to perform its democratic role,” the council added.
The MCK insisted that media freedom is non-negotiable and stressed that all accredited journalists must be given equal access to cover national events, without interference or discrimination.
The council called on the government and event organizers to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of the press at all times.
In closing, the Media Council reminded both state and non-state actors that a vibrant and independent media is essential for a democratic society.
Ensuring the safety and freedom of journalists is not a favour but a legal and moral obligation.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
