Press freedom under seige

Katewinslet Oyato 

Yestyerday marked a grim chapter for press freedom in Kenya as three journalists were violently attacked while covering the Saba Saba demonstrations in Nyeri. 

What began as routine reporting quickly spiraled into a harrowing ordeal, underscoring the growing risks faced by media professionals in politically charged environments.

Kamau Mwangi and James Maina of Royal Media Services, alongside Kameme TV’s Wahu Ngugi, were on assignment documenting the impact of the protests on local businesses when they were ambushed by individuals posing as demonstrators. 

The attackers are alleged to have hurled stones, slapped Maina on the neck, and shoved Ngugi to the ground leading to suspected body injuries to her knees. The trio narrowly escaped further harm by seeking refuge in a nearby police truck.

“They thought we were filming them, which we were not. The moment they saw the cameras, they ran toward us and attacked us,” said Ngugi adding the assailants appeared to deliberately target them, grabbing equipment and chasing her down before Kamau intervened to shield her.

This incident is one of the most brazen assaults on journalists in Nyeri, a town previously considered relatively safe for media coverage. 

Seth Mwaniki, Chairman of the Nyeri Press Club, expressed deep concern over the attacks. “We are very worried because this is a new trend, journalists are being directly targeted by people posing as peaceful protestors”.

Mwaniki says Kenya continues to navigate turbulent political waters and safeguarding press freedom must remain a national priority. 

"Journalists play a vital role in informing the public and holding power to account. When they are silenced through violence and intimidation, democracy itself is at risk."