In a show of defiance against rising police intimidation, journalists in Nairobi are set to hold a peaceful protest today, Wednesday. The demonstration comes after a string of incidents targeting reporters covering protests and other acts seen as a threat to press freedom.
The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) and the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), along with other media groups, called for the protest. The arrest of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho on July 17th, later admitted by police to be a mistake, and the shooting of Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a Kameme TV correspondent, on July 16th, sparked outrage within media circles.
“We’ve been pushed to the limit,” stated KEG President Zubeida Kananu. “If peaceful reporting puts us at risk, we’ll take to the streets to make our voices heard.”
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Journalists unite
Dressed in white for peace, journalists will gather at Nation Center at 10:00 am and march to Jogoo House to deliver a petition to Acting Inspector General Douglas Kanja. They will then proceed to Teleposta Towers to present the same petition to the Ministry of Information and Communications. A media briefing will wrap up the protest outside Teleposta Towers.
The protest follows ongoing criticism of the National Police Service’s handling of demonstrations, which has resulted in numerous deaths. Former Inspector General Japhet Koome resigned in July under pressure after at least 25 protesters were fatally shot. Despite widespread condemnation, President Ruto has defended the police.
An evening forum is planned for journalists and stakeholders to discuss the day’s events and future actions.