NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 24- Two journalists were on Thursday assaulted while covering a media event at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), eliciting widespread condemnation from various media stakeholders, among them the Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK).
The two journalists, identified as Moses Nyamori and Luke Awich, were attacked by five goons, allegedly over a story, they had written.
They were attacked during an event to receive Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku to ODM, after ditching the ruling Jubilee Party.
“We watched helplessly as the two were being roughed up,” one of the journalists present told Shahidi News.
She did not want her name to be mentioned, citing fear.
The party in a statement condemned the incident, which they termed as unfortunate and regrettable.
“The incident is unfortunate and quite regrettable. We wish to state that the ODM party does not condone any form of harassment on anyone including members of the press. The party is investigating the incident and those involved will be held to account,” stated Philip Etale, the communications director for ODM.
CJAK Secretary-General Joseph Muraya called on the party to expose the attackers and have them arrested for prompt action.
According to CJAK, such incidents have become common across the country- with at least 6 journalists attacked since January for doing their work.
Between 2006 and 2020, over 1,200 journalists have been killed for reporting the news and bringing information to the public across the world.
In 9 out of 10 cases the killers have gone unpunished.
“Impunity leads to more killings and is often a symptom of worsening conflict and the breakdown of law and judicial systems. Journalists in Kenya have been on the receiving end and if this trend is not reversed, the space for freedom of expression will continue to shrink,” Muraya said.
Muraya added that “Inaction regarding previous incidents have emboldened such criminals and threatened the safety of journalists across the country.”
CJAK has called on the ODM party to, “assure journalists of their safety and security as they safeguard their premises against unauthorized personnel who are hell-bent on violence.”
ODM leader Raila Odinga was present during the political function at the party’s headquarters.
“The media is our partner in the political journey that we are pursuing. As a party, we shall do everything possible to ensure the safety of media personnel is guaranteed in all our events; both in the field and at the party headquarters,” Etale said.
The Media Council of Kenya has also called for the arrest of those who were involved in the attack.
MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said urged the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to investigate the matter expeditiously.
“Profiling of journalists by leaders and supporters of political parties goes against Article 34 and 35 of the constitution on freedom of media and access to information,” he stated.
Omwoyo further called on the ODM leader, who is also the party’s presidential candidate to condemn the incident.
“The Media Council of Kenya calls on ODM leadership led by its leader Raila Odinga who was hosting today’s event to disown such acts of violence against the media and commit to non-interference in the work of media workers in all its activities henceforth,” Omwoyo said.
In 2017, a similar incident occurred at the ODM party headquarters. Just like on Thursday, two journalists were assaulted.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
