Press freedom under siege: Journalists threaten strike over attacks

Journalists across Kenya have issued a warning of a potential strike if no action is taken regarding recent attacks on media personnel during anti-government protests.

This follows the release of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho, who was forcibly arrested on Wednesday morning at Karen Police Station. Gaitho was later released, with the National Police Service (NPS) attributing the arrest to mistaken identity.

“We reiterate that as a Service, we do not target journalists in any way, and today's incident is highly regrettable,” the police said.

In response, Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) President Zubeida Kananu slammed the police sentiments, criticising the government for neglecting the safety and security of media practitioners in Kenya.

She insisted that the recent instances of excessive use of force by police officers on Kenyans are uncalled for and contravene the Constitution of Kenya and particularly, the Bill of Rights.

“We are giving a 7-day notice for the perpetrators to be brought to book, it seems like, that is the language the government best understands,” she said.

Kananu stated that the majority of journalists have received threats and harassment to prevent them from objectively covering certain public-interest events.

“Media has the right to cover any event for the interest of the public provided that this is done within the jurisdiction of the law. We will not be cowed or threatened anymore because that is our right as media practitioners,” she said.

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), who were also present at the station to support Gaitho, called for an end to state impunity against journalists.

During the ongoing four-week anti-government protests, several journalists have fallen victim to police brutality while performing their duties.

On Tuesday, Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a correspondent for Kameme TV and radio based in Nakuru County, was shot while reporting on protests along Kenyatta Avenue in Nakuru County.

Videos and photos from the scene showed Wanjeri lying on the ground with wounds on her left thigh. She was rushed to a hospital in Nakuru, where she is currently receiving treatment.

Colleagues at the scene who attempted to stop the bleeding before she was taken to the hospital believe the attack was a targeted act by a rogue police officer.

A few weeks ago, K24 political affairs reporter and anchor Joel Chacha sustained injuries while covering the intensifying anti-government protests in Nairobi. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment Chacha was helped to seek medical attention, visibly in intense pain.

These incidents have sparked widespread condemnation among media circles, highlighting the dangers journalists face while on duty.