According to the spokesperson, police officers do not attack the media, though emphasized that any incidences on the same are subject to investigations by the necessary authorities.
The National Police Service (NPS) on Saturday, August 10 refuted accusations that its officers brutalised journalists who covered the ‘Nane Nane‘ protests on the front line on August 8.
National Police Service Spokesperson Dr Resila Onyango defended the service and decried misinformation about law enforcement, especially during riotous situations and relationships with the media.
According to the spokesperson, police officers do not attack the media, though emphasized that any incidences on the same are subject to investigations by the necessary authorities.
“The relationship with the media is under the police service standing orders and is taken very seriously. Police officers do not target the media and when this happens they have to be investigated by the Internal Affairs Unit and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.
An undated image of police spokesperson Dr. Resila Atieno Onyango. /CITIZEN DIGITAL
“Nobody is above the law. Let us not vilify the entire police force when a few officers make mistakes,” she stated.
She was speaking during a Government and Media Leaders Dialogue in Naivasha organised by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) where stakeholders called for enhanced collaborations and review of media regulation mechanisms.
During the Nane Nane (August 8) protests, police brutality became a major issue as officers clashed with protesters, engaging in arbitrary arrests, detentions, and the excessive use of force. The aggressive behaviour extended to peaceful protesters and journalists, including international press members.
CNN journalist Larry Madowo took to social media to describe how police threw stun grenades towards journalists, including himself, to prevent them from covering the events.
Citizen TV’s Stephen Letoo also condemned the police actions, noting that several journalists were injured and highlighting that police fired live ammunition at protesters and journalists during the protests.
Cecilia Ngunjiri, a journalist from Real Stories Media said she was covering the protests near the Kenya National Archive when the police targeted her and her team.
According to Ngunjiri, the police initially warned that no one should be present before launching tear gas at the journalists. Amidst the tear gas, she was overwhelmed and subsequently assaulted by police officers armed with clubs. Ngunjiri suffered bruises and required medical attention before being discharged. “I did not provoke the police in any way,” she said.
Another journalist mentioned that the police at the Dedan Kimathi monument were particularly notorious for their aggression. Lucky Oluoch from Mediamax Network reported that police had thrown a tear gas canister at his feet.
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga condemned the actions noting that they are not only unacceptable but also a direct violation of the rights enshrined in the Constitution.
“These actions are not only unacceptable but also a direct violation of the rights enshrined in our Constitution. The right to peaceful assembly, the freedom of expression, and the protection of journalists are fundamental pillars of our democracy, pillars that we have fought long and hard to establish and must continue to protect,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo called for “common ground between government and media and not blame games as both need each other for the good of the country”.
“We need to stop branding the media as being anti-government while the media should also play its rightful role within the prescribed standards. Anyone fighting the media is out of order given the critical place of media in democracy and governance. There needs to be a mechanism for editors and government to constantly dialogue in order to improve relations”, said David Omwoyo.
On her part, Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Kananu Koome affirmed that members of the media will remain relentless in calling for an end to attacks and threats against journalists.
“However, no substantial progress has been achieved and violence targeting the media has heightened. We nevertheless hope that appropriate action will be taken against those attacking journalists. At the same time, the media industry needs to align ethical conduct with the current times”, she said.
