Kenyan journalists take to streets in protest against police violence

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Kenyan journalists held nationwide protests on Wednesday, denouncing the increasing police violence against media personnel covering recent anti-government demonstrations.

In the heart of Nairobi, journalists marched around the Central Business District (CBD) before gathering at the Nation Centre buildings holding placards and chanting slogans demanding justice and protection.

Similar scenes unfolded in other major cities across the East African country.

The demonstrations followed a series of attacks on journalists, including the shooting of Catherine Wanjeri wa Kariuki, who was injured by police bullets to the leg while reporting on protests in Nakuru.

Journalist Collins Olunga, who was also severely injured after being hit by a tear gas canister by police, told Anadolu it was unfortunate that the press was being targeted.

"They singled me out, I was filming them, they shot at me and my hand was bleeding profusely from the explosion. The police should allow us to do our job," Olunga said.

“We have a right to be there, to tell the story of what is happening. Today, we are on the streets to demand that our rights be respected, our safety be guaranteed, and that those responsible for these attacks are held accountable,” he added.

In a statement, Kennedy Wandera, the chairperson of the Foreign Press Association of Africa which has a membership of over 600 journalists, said the organization stands in solidarity with their colleagues in Kenya, calling on the government to allow journalists to work without hindrances.

“It's our turn, we are on the streets today, stop threats against journalists, online and offline. Stop harassment, censorship, and physical attacks. Journalists are being attacked while covering protests by both security forces and protesters,” he said.

Dozens of journalists have been injured as they covered the protests in Kenya being carried by the youth every Tuesday and Thursday calling on President William Ruto to resign. Human rights organizations have also joined the chorus of condemnation.

The protests come at a time of heightened tension in Kenya, with demonstrations against economic policies and government actions becoming increasingly common.

Ruto's administration is under intense scrutiny following weeks of violent demonstrations that resulted in at least 50 deaths and widespread property damage. The Kenyan government has put the US-based Ford Foundation on notice, accusing the organization of funding the recent deadly anti-government protests.