US, Lawyers Condemn Attacks On Journalists During Azimio Protests

The United States (US) government on Friday, March 31 expressed its concern on reports of attacks against journalists during anti-government protests organised by the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition and its leader Raila Odinga, most of them attributed to police brutality.

Through the US Embassy in Nairobi, the President Joe Biden-led administration termed as unacceptable the police brutality meted on innocent people exercising their rights.

The American government specifically addressed an incident whereby two police officers were captured on video breaking into a media vehicle before shooting teargas inside.

US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman speaking during the American Chamber of Commerce Regional Business Summit on March 30, 2023. /MINISTRY OF INVESTMENTS, TRADE & INDUSTRY

"The United States is deeply concerned by recent reports of attacks against journalists. Protecting press freedom and safety is a cornerstone of democracy," US Ambassador Meg Whitman wrote on Twitter.

The Media Lawyers Association of Kenya (MLA) noted that it was deeply disturbed by the attack on the media vehicle, condemning it while calling for a thorough investigation into the matter, and prosecution of the concerned officer.

"We note that these incidents of unprovoked brutality forms part of a systematic attack on the media coming in the backdrop of denigrating sentiments against the media from top government officials, an unlawful attempt by the CA (Communications Authority of Kenya) to censure 6 media houses; calls by Azimio to boycott the star, which was later retracted and the false attribution of some images by the DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations) to the demonstrations, which was also later retracted.

"The Government, as well as the Demonstrators, are reminded that any attack against the media is an attack against the essence of our democracy," MLA stated in part.

MLA added that it stands in solidarity with the media fraternity more so the injured journalists and their families and will partner with media associations to provide legal assistance to any journalist facing brutality or prosecution as a result of their work in covering the demonstrations at no cost.

It also called for the protection and safety of the media by all parties and further, peaceful dialogue to resolve grievances highlighted by the opposition.

Diplomatic Corps in Kenya asked President William Ruto to exercise restraint and maintain the country's reputation as an anchor of stability, security and democracy in Africa and beyond. 

The statement was released by Ambassadors and High Commissioners from Australia, Canada, Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, The United Kingdom, and The United States.

"We agree with the Africa Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson in recalling the successful conduct of the general elections in 2022, and the unanimous confirmation of their results by the Supreme Court," read part of the statement.

Led by the United States of America, the diplomatic corps also expressed concerns about the destruction of places of worship and private property.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) had termed March 2023 as the darkest month in the history of Kenyan media, revealing that over 25 local and international journalists were injured in the protests. 

"The most targeted are camerapersons and photographers who have been targeted by the perpetrators of acts of hooliganism and criminality whose interest is to destroy any evidence of their acts captured on camera," noted MCK in part.

A camera broken during the Azimio la Umoja demonstrations. /MEDIA COUNCIL OF KENYA