Kenyan journalists have gathered in the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to stage demonstrations and present a petition to the office of the Acting Inspector General (IG) Kanja.
During their protests held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the journalists who were representing various media outlets, made their first stop at Jogoo House to formally deliver their petition, highlighting crucial demands for the police force.
The journalists’ petition was centred on a plea to end police brutality and create a safe working environment for media practitioners.
Amid escalating concerns over safety and security, the group emphasized the need for concrete actions to safeguard journalists while carrying out their duties.
March to Jogoo House
During the procession, Zubeida Kananu, President of the Kenya Editors Guild, and Eric Odour, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Journalists, led the petition delivery to acting Inspector General Douglas Kanja, which was accepted by Police Spokesperson Resila Onyango.
“On behalf of the acting IG, I assure you that I have received your petition and will get back to you. I want to reassure the media that as the National Police Service we will continue working together,” Resila stated.
As part of the procession, journalists continued to Teleposta Towers to present the same petition to the Ministry of Information and Communications.
The Secretary General of Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) Erick Oduor while presenting the petition, spoke against police brutality targeting reporters covering anti-government demonstrations and other forms of intimidation.
“We have brought our petition and we are handing it to you, and act on the concerns of Kenyans we are asking for protection from the police, and asking the police to stop killing and attacking journalists. That is our request to the police so that Journalists can be allowed to work in safe environments,” Oduor stated.
In Pictures: Journalists countrywide demonstrations happening today across the country. #K24Siasa pic.twitter.com/EwVknnlGph
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) July 24, 2024
Union requests
Kananu, a prominent voice among the demonstrators, lamented the shift in the once collaborative relationship between the police and journalists, citing instances where cooperation has waned over time.
Furthermore, Kananu and fellow demonstrators called for accountability within the police force, specifically targeting officers implicated in acts of violence against journalists, some of which have been captured on camera.
“Tumefika kuwakilisha malalamiko yetu, tumeona polisi wamekuwa wakitunyayasa, awali walikuwa marafiki zetu siku hizi sijui ni nini inafanyika. Siku hizi wanahabari wetu wanatishwa, wanajeruhiwa, wanapigwa na risasi. Tunataka Kenya ambayo iko na uhuru, uhuru wakujieleza, uhuru wa kuandamana, na ndio maana tukaamua hapa ndio tutaanzia tupeane malalamishi yetu. Tunataka polisi ambao wamekuwa wakijeruhi wanahabari wetu wachukuliwe hatua, kwasababu hatujaona mtu yeyeote ameshikwa,kwanini? Mbona wanalindwa?” Kananu remarked.
In response to Macharia Gaitho’s arrest on July 17 and the shooting of Kameme TV journalist Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, journalists began a call for protests. The incidents sparked widespread condemnation among media circles.