Majengo Chaos: Editors' Guild Condemns Attacks on Journalists by Police

The Kenya Editors' Guild has condemned attacks and harassment of journalists who were covering youth protests in Majengo Nairobi on Wednesday.

In a statement by the guild’s president Zubeidah Kananu, they called the attacks primitive, saying an NTV cameraperson, a reporter, Nation photographer, and The Star reporter were assaulted in Majengo, Nairobi, while covering an incident in which a 17 year-old student was shot and later succumbed to his injuries.

“As journalists interviewed residents to piece together what had transpired, police officers-seemingly uncomfortable with the media presence-attacked them with batons, kicks, and slaps,” said Kananu.

“They even pursued NTV cameraperson Wambui Kurema into her car, where she had sought refuge, and forcibly deleted her footage. In the ensuing struggle, Nation photographer Denis Onsongo was beaten as he attempted to assist his colleague.”

Kananu said the latest attack is further evidence of the shrinking space for media freedom in Kenya and have demanded for compensation of the affected journalists for the destruction of their equipment.

The guild has also called on police to issue a public apology for these attacks, saying they have no place in a democratic society.

“These incidents occur at a time when journalists are still recovering from the trauma of last year's assaults during the Gen Z-led protests the Finance Bill 2024. Despite numerous cases being recorded and reported to the police, no meaningful action has been taken,” explains the statement.

Meanwhile, a police officer who was involved in the alleged shooting of 17-year-old teenager, Ramadhan Chege on the night of Tuesday March 4 in Shauri Moyo area has been interdicted.

Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a statement that investigations began where an officer suspected of involvement in the incident was identified.

The shooting incident led to protesters engaging police in running battles as two police vehicles were also set on fire.