MCK condemns attack on journalists covering Azimio demos
The
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned violence meted on journalists
covering anti-government protests called by the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya
coalition on Monday.
Journalists from local and international
news outlets were attacked by a knife-wielding gang in Kibra, while several
others were injured after a rowdy gang pelted their vehicles with stones within
Kibra's DO area.
Through
a statement, MCK
CEO David Omwoyo said demonstrators attacking the media demean
the spirit of mass action as it betrays the foundations of democracy on which
it is founded.
“Organising
mass action which starts by attacking the media is defeatist and dangerous to
democratic values,” he said.
Omwoyo
said police officers attacking journalists undermines press freedom, limits the
public's access to information, violates human rights and can cause physical or
psychological harm.
“It
is essential that journalists are able to carry out their work without fear of
violence or harassment, and that law enforcement agencies are held accountable
for any actions that violate their rights or impede their ability to report on
events,” said the media watchdog boss.
The
Council said it will work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure those
responsible for the attacks are held accountable for the actions, and ensure
similar incidences are deterred in future.
“We
commend and stand in solidarity with all journalists who put themselves at risk
to report on events and keep the public informed, and we reiterate our
commitment to fiercely defend the freedom of the press,” the statement added.
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