We didn’t target journalists, police say on Madaraka day attack

The National Police Service (NPS) now says that it was not targeting journalists in a melee that saw some of them injured as they tried to get access to the Raila Odinga stadium for the Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay.

In a statement clarifying what happened, Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said it was as a result of the pushing and shoving that ensued as a section of youths tried to gain entry into the stadium forcefully.

He said this compelled security officers at the presidential entrance to act appropriately to prevent unlawful intrusion.

“Unfortunately, some members of the press were caught in the ensuing melee, resulting in injuries to several journalists. The situation was brought under control, and journalists were subsequently able to enter the stadium," Nyaga said.

“NPS reiterates that at no point were police officers targeting the media during this incident. We maintain that the media and the police share a symbiotic relationship, each fulfilling their professional roles."

He said the police sympathised with the injured journalists even as he urged them to always exercise caution when in high-risk assignments.

“As a service, we remain committed to Serve and Protect.”

The police statement comes a day after the incident that saw at least four journalists covering Madaraka Day celebrations assaulted and harassed by security officers.

Among those injured were KTN TV producer Steve Okedi, Royal Media Services journalist Ephantus Maina, and Nation Media Group (NMG) producer Mable Achieng.

Maina and Achieng received emergency treatment from the Red Cross team stationed at the venue.

In the chaos, NMG correspondent George Odiwuor lost his phone and laptop, while another unnamed journalist was also attacked.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) condemned the harassment and assault, terming the incidents as a gross violation of journalistic freedom.

MCK chief executive, David Omwoyo, criticised the hostile treatment of the journalists, saying it undermined the constitutional right to media freedom.

He added that the journalists were not only denied access to the venue but were also left to plead for entry.

"Media personnel were forced to plead for entry to the stadium and were not guaranteed a safe exit after the event concluded," he said.

Omwoyo said the incidents highlight a concerning trend of deliberate targeting of journalists, undermining their critical role in society.

He called on the government and event organisers to take full responsibility for ensuring that all accredited journalists can operate freely, safely and without fear of harassment during state functions.

"The MCK insists that state events must be accessible to registered media organisations in Kenya and that journalists' safety should be ensured, not left to unchecked individuals. It is unacceptable that accredited journalists must beg for access to cover state events," Omwoyo said.

"Such gatekeeping and intimidation not only instil fear but also constitute economic sabotage in an era of competitive media content creation. The MCK strongly condemns this behaviour and urges those responsible to adopt reconciliatory measures."