By Treezer Michelle Atieno
In Kenya, the harassment of journalists has evolved from sporadic incidents into a
disturbing trend, with each passing year witnessing an alarming increase in attacks
and intimidation.
The recent Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill 2024 have once again
highlighted the dangerous environment in which Kenyan journalists operate,
underscoring a systemic failure to protect press freedom and prosecute
perpetrators.
The wave of violence against journalists during protests is not a new phenomenon
in Kenya. It has been a persistent issue, as evidenced by the events surrounding the
August 2022 election, where journalists were frequently targeted.
A report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) documented numerous
harassment cases, including the arrest of KTN journalist Duncan Khaemba for
possessing protective gear without a proper licence. The period also saw journalists
being physically attacked by both security forces and civilians, with incidents of
equipment being destroyed and reporters being beaten.
The situation deteriorated further in 2023, marked by anti-government protests led
by opposition leader Raila Odinga. Between March and April, more than 20
journalists were assaulted, detained, or harassed while covering the
demonstrations.
Notable incidents included the physical assault of Royal Media Services journalists
and the detention of Africa Uncensored reporters. These attacks were carried out by
both security forces and opposition supporters, highlighting a pervasive disregard
for journalistic safety from all sides.
Civil society groups, such as the Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMWSG) and
the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG), condemned these attacks. The KEG, in particular,
has been vocal about the constitutional violations of media freedom, urging the
police to respect journalists' rights and calling for thorough investigations into these
incidents.
Despite these calls, accountability remains elusive, with few perpetrators facing
prosecution.
The pattern of harassment continued into 2024, exacerbated by the Gen Z protests.
The Finance Bill 2024 protests saw renewed violence against journalists, with
reports of police using live ammunition and harmful chemicals against media
personnel.
In one instance, Nakuru-based Kameme TV and radio correspondent Catherine
Wanjeri Kariuki were shot and seriously injured by police while covering a protest.
CNN photojournalist Fabien Muhire was also targeted with a chemical agent in
Nairobi.
These attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend of repression.
The Media Council of Kenya has highlighted that the lack of institutional protection
for journalists has left many vulnerable.
Journalists have faced harassment even in less tumultuous times, such as during
police raids on illicit alcohol dens or while covering other public demonstrations.
The international community has also taken note. The International Press Institute
(IPI) and other global watchdogs have repeatedly urged Kenyan authorities to
uphold press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists.
They emphasize that a free and independent press is crucial for a functioning
democracy, allowing the public to be informed and hold those in power
accountable.
Despite these pressures, the Kenyan government has often been seen as
ambivalent or outright hostile towards media freedom. The controversial decision to
channel all government advertisements through the state-run Kenya Broadcasting
Corporation (KBC) is perceived as an attempt to stifle independent media and
control the public narrative.
For Kenya to uphold its democratic ideals, it must ensure the protection of
journalists and respect for press freedom, recognizing that a free press is not a
luxury but a cornerstone of democracy.
