NPS condemns harassment of journalists at drama festivals Nakuru, vows disciplinary action
During the coverage, anti-riot police reportedly targeted the journalists by lobbing tear gas canisters directly at them.
The National Police Service (NPS) has pledged to take disciplinary measures after reports surfaced claiming that officers deliberately interfered with journalists’ work during the coverage of an attempted arrest of former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala in Nakuru.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night at Kirobon High School in Rongai Sub-county, where journalists were lawfully covering the unfolding events surrounding Malala, a scriptwriter for the controversial play Echoes of War.
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During the coverage, anti-riot police reportedly targeted the journalists by lobbing tear gas canisters directly at them. The affected reporters included Maryanne Nyambura from Citizen TV, Peter Kimani from KTN News, Robert Maina from Inooro TV & Radio, freelance journalist Joseph Kipsang, whose camera was damaged, Kennedy Gachuhi from Standard Group, and Evans Asiba from Citizen TV.
In a statement on Thursday, the NPS condemned the actions of the officers involved and emphasised that such conduct violates the rights of journalists as outlined in the Constitution and the Media Council Act, 2013. The Service has launched an investigation into the incident and vowed that any officer found guilty of unprofessional conduct will face appropriate disciplinary action.
“The circumstances surrounding this unfortunate and isolated incident are under investigation, and decisive action will be taken against any officer found to have engaged in misconduct,” NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said.
“We remain committed to fostering a cordial and respectful relationship with the media and reaffirm our dedication to upholding press freedom.”
The controversial play Echoes of War, which was being performed at the 63rd Kenya National Drama and Film Festivals in Nakuru, explores the protests by Gen Z against the government.
Malala, who arrived at the venue at 5:30 pm for rehearsals, was reportedly blocked by armed police officers from entering, as they had been instructed not to allow him to interact with the students.
The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) has also strongly condemned the violent harassment of journalists during the coverage of the play, calling it a violation of press freedom and civil liberties. The Guild also expressed concern about the handling of students from Butere Girls High School, who were denied the chance to perform their play at the Melvin Jones Academy.
“These attacks on the press, combined with the mistreatment of students, represent a dangerous erosion of civil liberties,” KEG said.
“Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy and is protected under Article 34 of the Constitution of Kenya.”
The NPS has promised to investigate the matter further and take disciplinary measures against any officers found responsible for misconduct.
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