Media Council of Kenya Condemns attack on journalists

NAKURU, Kenya, Apr 11 – Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly condemned violent assault and use of teargas on journalists by police officers at Kirobon High school, Rongai sub-County Nakuru County on the evening of 9 April 2025 where journalists were covering matter of public interest.

In a statement on Thursday 10, the council said such reckless conduct and misdirected action by the police abhorrent as they endangered the safety of journalists.

“This assault on our media professionals represents a violation of their constitutional rights including right to life, security and freedom of expression as enshrined in articles 26, 29, 33, 34 and 35 of the Kenyan Constitution “, reads a statement by MCK.

MCK demands immediate investigation into the incident and calls upon Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and Ministry of Interior and National Administration to take swift action against officers involved.

“Such incidents highlight a troubling pattern of aggression towards journalists at the course of their duties posing a significant threat to press freedom and undermining media’s ability to report without fear and intimidation”.

The council further encourages media organizations to conduct thorough risks assessments and coordinate with local authorities, event organisers and law enforcement in advance to establish robust safety protocols.