Media Council asks police to probe journalist's attack

Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo [Wiberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Authorities have been urged to investigate an incident where unknown people assaulted a journalist on July 10, 2022, at Kakrao shopping Centre in Migori County.

The Media Council of Kenya has called on the police to investigate the circumstances under which Ian Bryon, a Nation Media Group journalist, was attacked days after he reported harassment by unknown people following a published story.

“The journalist had reported harassment by people following a story he had written relating to Suna East MP and ODM Minority Leader Junet Mohammed after the legislator complained of a story,” MCK Chief Executive David Omwoyo said in a statement Tuesday.  

The matter was reported at the Migori Police Station.
Omwoyo, at the same time, has raised concern over the escalating number of assault cases targeting journalists and media enterprises from politicians as the country heads to the polls in 27 days. 

“The more than 50 incidences and press freedom violations in the form of profiling, denial of access, harassment and intimidation, both online and offline is a threat to media freedom,” he said.

MCK has since called on any party aggrieved by the work of journalists to direct the complaints to the Media Complaints Commission.