CJAK Condemns Police Harassment of Journalists
CJAK reiterated that press freedom is a fundamental right enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution and that law enforcement officers must respect these rights.
CJAK condemned police harassment of journalists, demanding legal action against officers. Photo/CJAK.
The Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK) has strongly condemned the recent harassment of journalists by police officers, calling for all those responsible to face legal consequences.
The association, which represents journalists covering crime and law enforcement, expressed its concern over the increasing instances of press freedom violations in the country and emphasized the need for urgent action to protect media practitioners.
In a statement released on Thursday, CJAK stated that such harassment not only undermines the rights of journalists but also hinders the ability of the media to report on matters of public interest, particularly those related to crime and justice.
“We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of cases where journalists, especially those reporting on sensitive issues, are subjected to intimidation, physical assaults, and arbitrary detentions by police officers,” the association said.
The call for accountability follows a series of troubling incidents where journalists have faced violent and unlawful treatment while covering protests, crime scenes, and police activities.
One of the most high-profile cases occurred earlier this year when police officers obstructed journalists from covering a demonstration in Nairobi, forcibly confiscating equipment and detaining reporters without cause.
Such incidents have sparked outrage within the media industry, raising alarm over the safety of journalists in Kenya.
CJAK reiterated that press freedom is a fundamental right enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution and that law enforcement officers must respect these rights.
The association called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to thoroughly investigate the reported incidents and take appropriate legal action against the officers involved.
“It is imperative that those responsible for the harassment of journalists are held accountable, and the law takes its course,” the statement read.
The harassment of journalists in Kenya is a growing concern, with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other international bodies consistently reporting incidents of media suppression in the country.
According to CPJ, Kenya ranks as one of the most dangerous countries in East Africa for journalists, with reporters frequently facing threats, physical violence, and arbitrary detention.
While the Kenyan government has made strides in strengthening media laws, incidents of harassment continue to undermine the progress made toward protecting press freedom.
In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of attacks on journalists by state agents, particularly police officers who are often accused of using excessive force to silence media coverage of sensitive issues.
The Crime Journalists Association of Kenya has vowed to continue advocating for the rights of journalists and called for a safer working environment for media practitioners.
CJAK also urged the government to implement stricter measures to ensure that journalists are protected from harm while performing their duties.
The association’s statement serves as a reminder to both the government and law enforcement agencies of their obligation to uphold the rights of journalists and safeguard press freedom in Kenya.
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