Media groups condemn attack on journalists

Standard Group’s Video Editor Justus Mwangi is arrested by police quelling demonstrations against Finance Bill 2024. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

The Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) has condemned the recent violence against journalists by police officers during the Anti-Finance Bill protests.

In a statement, the group noted that despite prior engagements with security officials to ensure journalists' safety, several incidents of police brutality have been reported.

Among those attacked include Standard Group’s Editor Justus Mwangi who was roughed up, bundled into a police vehicle, and then thrown off a speeding vehicle

According to the group, such attacks undermine media freedom, access to information, and safety, all of which have been provided in the Constitution.

“The Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) is outraged by the violence perpetrated by police officers against journalists covering the street protests against the Finance Bill 2024,” read the statement.

KMSWG now wants Inspector General Japheth Koome of Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take action against the offending officers.

Warning that the Koome risks potential legal action if such violence continues.