MCK Condemns Police Harassment of Journalists, Calls for Accountability
“ NTV journalists Fridah Okachi, Dennis Onsongo, and Leah Wambui Kurema were denied entry into the operation zone, and their cameraperson was allegedly assaulted before officers erased recorded footage from her camera”
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly condemned the harassment, detention, and assault of journalists by police officers during a security operation in Majengo, Gikomba, and Pumwani areas of Nairobi County on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
The journalists were covering protests triggered by the alleged shooting of two teenage boys on the night of March 4, 2025, in Majengo. According to MCK, multiple media personnel faced intimidation, including being denied access to the affected areas, manhandled, and having their equipment damaged or footage forcibly deleted.
Among those affected was Justine Ondicki, a photojournalist with Eastleigh Voice, who was reportedly detained for hours inside a General Service Unit (GSU) vehicle near Gikomba. He alleged that officers handled him roughly, resulting in damage to his equipment. Meanwhile, NTV journalists Fridah Okachi, Dennis Onsongo, and Leah Wambui Kurema were denied entry into the operation zone, and their cameraperson was allegedly assaulted before officers erased recorded footage from her camera.
“These acts are a blatant violation of press freedom and contravene the constitutional rights of journalists as enshrined in the 2010 Kenyan Constitution and the Media Council Act, 2013,” said David Omwoyo Omwoyo, MBS, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Council.
MCK emphasized that journalists play a critical role in informing the public, and any actions that obstruct this duty are unacceptable.
“The public has a right to accurate and timely information. The harassment of journalists covering sensitive incidents such as protests undermines democracy and freedom of the press,” Omwoyo stated.
The Council has called on the Inspector General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that officers responsible for the unlawful acts are held accountable.
“We urge the police leadership to take immediate action to prevent future incidents and guarantee the safety of journalists during operations,” Omwoyo added.
MCK reaffirmed its commitment to defending media freedom and protecting journalists’ rights across the country.
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