MCK condemns assault on journalists during Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned the harassment and assault of journalists who were covering the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County on Sunday, terming the incidents as a gross violation of journalistic freedom.

At least four journalists were injured and several others lost valuables during the incident, with reports indicating that criminal gangs targeted attendees and snatched phones and money.

Police officers allegedly assaulted journalists from various media houses, leaving some with injuries.

In a statement on Sunday, MCK CEO David Omwoyo expressed deep concern over the physical injuries and emotional distress inflicted on the journalists during the Madaraka Day event.

"At Raila Odinga Stadium, Royal Media Services (RMS) journalist Ephantus Maina, Nation Media Group (NMG) producer Mable Achieng', TV47 camera operator Francis Kakai, and journalist Elizabeth Mutuku were reportedly assaulted by security officers at the entrance, despite displaying valid media identification badges," Omwoyo said.

"Some journalists required medical attention from Red Cross staff for various injuries. Additionally, several journalists lost equipment and personal items, such as phones and laptops, to opportunists during the event."

Further, Omwoyo criticised the hostile treatment of the journalists, saying it undermines the constitutional right to media freedom. He added that the journalists were not only denied access to the venue but were also left to plead for entry.

"Media personnel were forced to plead for entry to the stadium and were not guaranteed a safe exit after the event concluded," he said.

To further illustrate the growing state-led hostility towards journalists, Omwoyo referenced a separate incident on May 31, where KTN journalists were denied access to a Kenya–Slovenia press briefing at State House.

"On May 31, 2025, at State House, KTN journalists Rashid Iddi and Okumu Madocha were barred from covering a Kenya–Slovenia media briefing, where President William Ruto and visiting Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar held a joint press event," said the MCK boss.

"Their names were absent from the accredited reporters' list, and attempts to contact the Director of Media Relations at State House went unanswered."

According to Omwoyo, these incidents highlight a concerning trend of deliberate targeting of journalists, undermining their critical role in society.

Omwoyo subsequently urged the government and event organisers to take full responsibility for ensuring that all accredited journalists can operate freely, safely and without fear of harassment during state functions.

"The MCK insists that state events must be accessible to registered media organisations in Kenya and that journalists' safety should be ensured, not left to unchecked individuals. It is unacceptable that accredited journalists must beg for access to cover state events," Omwoyo said.

"Such gatekeeping and intimidation not only instil fear but also constitute economic sabotage in an era of competitive media content creation. The MCK strongly condemns this behaviour and urges those responsible to adopt reconciliatory measures. Above all, event organisers must prioritise and guarantee journalists' safety."

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