US government expresses concern after attacks on journalists during Azimio protests
US government expresses concern following Thursday's attacks on journalists covering the Azimio coalition mass protests
US government expresses concern following Thursday’s attacks on journalists covering the Azimio coalition mass protests.
The US administration has voiced worry over the rising number of incidents in Kenya where journalists have been attacked while carrying out their duties.
That comes after the savage assault on reporters on Thursday as they covered the Azimio la Umoja mass demonstrations that Raila Odinga called for to protest high living costs among other issues.
Through a message shared by the US ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, the United States called on the Kenyan government to protect the freedom of association.
“The United States is deeply concerned by recent reports of attacks against journalists. Protecting press freedom and safety is a cornerstone of democracy,” Whitman said in a statement on Twitter.
Journalists have been on target by both police and goons as they covered the mass protests.
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The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Chief executive officer David Omwoyo said the majority of those targeted are cameramen and photojournalists “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.”
MCK said six journalists were seriously injured on Thursday when protesters were viciously repulsed by police in Eambakasi South.
Several journalists were assaulted, their vehicles vandalized and their phones and equipment stolen by goons in various parts of the city.
“March 2023 remains the darkest month for Kenyan media since the clamour for multiparty democracy,” Omwoyo said.
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