Journalists in Kenya have in the past found themselves in the midst of scuffles either with leaders or even with security personnel. The Media Council of Kenya has now come out to speak for the journalists saying that they have increasingly become targets of violence.
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This outcry by MCK comes after an NTV journalist was attacked on Saturday morning by the local chief as he was working on a story to uncover alleged corruption involving the loss of funds at Toroso Primary School in Sasuri location, Bungoma County.
The NTV Journalist, Jesse Chenge who is a cameraman at station stated that the Chief was in the company of his assistant when the assault happened.
Jackson Chebrum, the Chief from Sasur location in Chaptis allegedly hit Chenge with his fist after a failed attempt to destroy the camera.
The Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive, David Omwoyo confirmed the incident that happened on Saturday in Mt Elgon constituency adding that the matter is currently in court.
“The unfortunate incident happened after two other journalists in Bondo were involved in an ugly confrontation with police as they covered an arrest on Tuesday last week,” Omwoyo said.
Recently on October 2, a Standard Group journalist’s camera was destroyed after a police officer attacked him in Homa Bay and prior to that a Citizen TV journalist was clobbered by police men when covering the deportation of Miguna Miguna at the JKIA early this year
He further said that state officials ought to appreciate and protect the role of the media as is stipulated in the Constitution adding that the Press has the right to carry out its trade without any roadblocks, intimidation or harassment.
“The access to information Act 2016 guarantees the right by journalist and citizens to access public information held in trust by government officials. Any attempts to inhabit these rights contravenes the law,” he said.
The MCK Boss said that the council will do everything within its mandate to ensure anybody who violates the rights of journalists is held liable for further unlawful actions.