MCK urges thorough investigation into attack of journalists in Majengo
Journalists were on the ground documenting protests sparked by the alleged shooting of two teenage boys on the night of March 4, 2025, in Majengo.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called on the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged harassment of journalists while they were covering demonstrations in the Majengo and Gikomba, in Pumwani ward, Kamukunji subcounty.
The Council's CEO, David Omwoyo, on Thursday, expressed deep concern over the actions of the police, stating that multiple incidents of harassment, detention, and assault took place during the security operation on March 5, 2025.
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Journalists were on the ground documenting protests sparked by the alleged shooting of two teenage boys on the night of March 4, 2025, in Majengo.
"The Council notes multiple incidents of harassment, temporary detention, and assaults, with police accused of manhandling journalists, denying access to affected areas, damaging equipment, and forcibly deleting recorded footage," Omwoyo said in a statement.
Among the journalists affected was Justine Ondieki, a photojournalist with Eastleigh Voice, who was detained in a General Service Unit (GSU) vehicle near Gikomba for several hours. Ondieki was reportedly man-handled, which led to damage to his equipment.
A reporter from The Eastleigh Voice shows a swollen arm after he was physically assaulted by police officers while covering the protest in Majengo, Pumwani, Nairobi on March 5, 2025. (Photo: Charity Kilei)
Similarly, NTV journalists Fridah Okachi, Dennis Onsongo, and Leah Wambui Kurema were denied access to the operation zone, with one of their camerapersons being assaulted and footage forcibly deleted from her camera.
These actions, the MCK said, violate the constitutional rights of journalists, as outlined in the 2010 Kenyan Constitution and the Media Council Act of 2013.
"These violations of press freedom contravene the constitutional rights guaranteed to journalists and go against the journalists' rights and privileges protected by law," the Council added.
The MCK also pointed out that such actions hinder the public's right to be informed about important events.
The Media Council has called for those responsible for the unlawful actions to be held accountable.
"We stand in solidarity with the affected journalists and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defending media freedom and protecting the rights of journalists across Kenya," Omwoyo stated.
In related news, a police officer allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy during a confrontation in Majengo has been disarmed and interdicted.
The shooting sparked deadly protests in the area. Police spokesman Michael Muchiri confirmed that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority had been notified, and investigations were underway.
Muchiri urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with investigators to assist in the probe.
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