Media Council unmasks police posing as journalists to arrest protesters

The Media Council of Kenya has condemned cases of police officers masquerading as journalists to arrest protesters in the ongoing Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition-led demonstrations.

MCK CEO David Omwoyo Omwoyo, in a statement on Wednesday, highlighted the incidents as captured in a viral video in Kibra, saying the action endangers journalists in their line of work.

“The Media Council of Kenya has noted with deep concerns cases of security forces as camouflaging as journalists covering protests with intent to arrest protestors,” said  Omwoyo.

He added: “Impersonation of journalists by the police is a grave unprofessional misconduct on the part of the police and trials endanger the lives of journalists in the line of duty.”

Omwoyo at the same time faulted the security personnel for arresting and detailing members of the press reiterating that it was a violation of the law.

“While the council appreciates the release of journalists who were earlier arrested while covering the protests, the detaining of journalists was unnecessary, arbitrary and ridiculous,” Omwoyo noted.

“The work of journalists is protected under Asides 33, 34 and 35 of the Constitution, a right that should be 'respected by all.”

In a video captured on Wednesday, a police officer disguised as a civilian standing next to a journalist dramatically rushed and arrested a protester before whisking him away in a police vehicle.