By Sumaya Hussein.
The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) has become the latest group to condemn the attack on scribes witnessed today during the Azimio protests in Nairobi.
AMWIK called out police for being part of the attack instead of protecting journalists on duty.
Police, Goons Attacked Journalists
In a statement on March 27, AMWIK called out police and “criminal elements” for attacking journalists covering the Raila-led Monday protests in various parts of the country.
“We condemn their actions especially the police force who are expected as part of their mandatory duty, to provide security to journalists and ensure their safety without threats and violence.” read the statement.
.@AMWIK condemns today's attacks on journalists and calls for immediate investigations. #PressFreedom pic.twitter.com/4Eq9kTEImI
— Association of Media Women in Kenya (@AMWIK) March 27, 2023
The association noted that the attacks on journalists are a violation of human rights, and a threat to public access to information and press freedom.
Journalists from local and international media outlets were attacked by knife-wielding goons in Kibra. Several others were injured after rowdy protesters stoned their vehicles.
Moreover, two journalists were arrested by police in Mathare, Nairobi and others attacked while covering the invasion in former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Northlands farm. One journalist was forced by police to delete their recordings.
Patience Nyange, AMWIK Executive Director, took to twitter to express concern over the rising cases of attacks on journalists.
Such a sad day!
No journalist should be attacked while on duty!We must raise our voice and condemn these attacks in the loudest terms possible. @AMWIK condemns these attacks on our journalists and call for immediate investigations. @MediaCouncilK @KUJ_Kenya @KenyaEditors pic.twitter.com/KAO5S4Smyn
— Patience Nyange 🇰🇪 (@NyangePatience) March 27, 2023
Media Groups Condemn Attacks
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) had earlier issued a statement saying the attack on media by protesters “demeans the spirit of mass action as it betrays the foundations of democracy on which it is founded.”
The council said it would work with law enforcement agencies to ensure those responsible for the attacks are brought to book, and such incidents are avoided in future.
The Kenya Editors’ Guild also called out officers of the National Police Service for participating in lashing journalists instead of ensuring their safety as mandated by the law.
Statement: The Kenya Editors Guild notes with alarm the increasing number of violent attacks against journalists covering the Azimio Protests in various parts of Nairobi. #MaandamanoMondays pic.twitter.com/6IZ1AMie01
— Kenya Editors’ Guild (@KenyaEditors) March 27, 2023
The group demanded for journalists to be allowed to work without interference from police, and officers to accord journalists with the necessary security to carry out their duties.
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