When Truth Becomes a Target in Elgeyo Marakwet
A free press exists as a protective measure which defends the public against political power.
Concerns over accountability emerge after journalists and residents report hostility and lack of support at a police station during a violent incident. Photo by Hubzmedia Photographer
The people of Elgeyo Marakwet County face increasing violence which extends to dangerous attacks against residents who attempt to share their experiences on the ongoing land disputes. The democratic system should have concerns about families who face danger because armed youth have invaded their home multiple times yet they still wait for help. From that location, we had to escape because our safety required us to leave the dangerous area. The journalists received threats from machete wielders who wanted them to leave the area.
The event that started as regular coverage turned into a situation that became uncontrollable. Our group needed to find shelter because the situation reached critical levels all we had was the belief that journalists could still protect themselves when facing peril. The situation did not change.
The police station should provide law enforcement, yet it became our base to search for solutions and protection. The police officer who received us with hostility not only failed to provide assurance but also showed us his intent to treat us as adversaries. The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) met us not with concern, but with resistance.
The police officer ordered George Misati, our camera operator, to end his filming session and exit the area. The sentence followed the English phrase which translates to “Take your things to that place, young man.” The message contained an order which prohibited all forms of documentation and questioning and exposure of information. The police officer who received the first reports of home invasions used the Land Cruiser for security purposes. The OCS distanced himself from responsibility when pressed about the police Land Cruiser.
He deflected accountability by telling MediaMax reporter James Gitaka that he was not responsible for the situation. “Tell the OCPD or the Police County Commander.” He exited the meeting and drove away. The command structure had become a complex system which prevented people from obtaining their needed information. The public needs protection because journalists require freedom to report and police need to take action, yet they ignore their duty to explain their inaction.
The responsive behavior of authorities only began after County Commander Peter Mulinge received my report about the situation. The police default route for basic duties should not require escalation. The incident extends beyond an individual officer and a single station and their conflict. The institutional failure extends to all authorities who should manage public safety, yet they refuse to allow proper administrative evaluation.
A free press exists as a protective measure which defends the public against political power. The authorities currently show no concern about media freedom because they want to drive journalists out of police stations and use machetes to prevent access. The residents of Elgeyo Marakwet require governmental protection. Journalists sought permission to cover the event. The two requests should not face difficulties which make them impossible to fulfill.
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