Police assure journalists of safety amid rising cases of harassment, intimidation
He added that the service remains committed to fostering a positive relationship with the media and aims to enhance collaboration through consultative meetings, joint training sessions, and adherence to professional ethics.
The National Police Service has once again assured journalists of their safety while covering events in the country, days after The Eastleigh Voice raised concerns over a new trend in which officers allegedly assaulted journalists, confiscated their equipment, and forced them to delete content during two consecutive protests in the city last week.
In a statement released on Friday evening, Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that the service had received complaints against officers accused of violating press freedom, with investigations currently underway.
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“Investigations into these isolated incidents are at an advanced stage, and any officer found culpable will be held accountable,” Nyaga said.
He added that the service remains committed to fostering a positive relationship with the media and aims to enhance collaboration through consultative meetings, joint training sessions, and adherence to professional ethics.
“As a service, we reaffirm our commitment to serving and protecting all persons in Kenya, including members of the media fraternity,” he added.
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)
The NPS is legally obligated to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms, including media freedom. Additionally, this is emphasised in its standing orders, which require officers to maintain harmony between the media and the police in the interest of law and order.
However, cases of police officers assaulting journalists have been on the rise, a trend that began during the June protests last year, where many journalists were attacked, some shot, and others had their equipment confiscated while covering the events.
This pattern continued last week, with police officers reportedly forcing journalists to delete footage and images captured during the Majengo protests and the Occupy Jesus Winner Church demonstrations.
“These violations of press freedom contravene the constitutional rights guaranteed to journalists and go against the rights and privileges protected by law under the 2010 Constitution and the Media Council Act, 2013,” said Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo.
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