The Media Council of Kenya has condemned the assault, abduction, and harassment of two journalists in Kitale, warning that the attack reflects rising impunity against the press.
The victims were allegedly targeted by known individuals following coverage of a corruption story linked to a local political figure, with MCK calling for urgent investigations and accountability, terming the incident a grave violation of press freedom and a threat to democracy.
In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, the council identified the journalists as George Njoroge of MediaMax Network Ltd and Gilbert Sitati of Kenya Television Network, who were attacked in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.
MCK said the incident involved “violent assault, abduction, and harassment,” describing it as a “direct violation of constitutional provisions and international principles on the protection and promotion of press freedom.”
According to the council, the attack followed media coverage of alleged corruption involving a political figure, with perpetrators reportedly storming a police station where one of the journalists had sought refuge.
“This included storming a police station, where one of the journalists was assaulted, in a brazen display of the level of impunity against journalists in the country,” the statement read.
MCK noted that the incident reflects a broader trend of hostility towards the media, warning that “this incident is not isolated” and that Kenyan journalists “increasingly face threats, harassment, and violence.”
Details of the attack indicate that Njoroge was assaulted after sharing a screenshot of a Standard Group article on WhatsApp, which the council emphasized was “a lawful action.”
While seeking safety at a police station, he was allegedly forcibly removed by an individual linked to a local leader in the presence of police officers. He was then taken to Kitale Forest, subjected to death threats, and only rescued after public attention intensified.
“Allowing a journalist to be dragged from police protection without resistance is a grave institutional failure and a source of profound shame to the National Police Service,” MCK said.
Sitati, on his part, was assaulted for filming the incident. The video he captured has since circulated widely and is now considered key evidence.
“Documenting matters of public interest is a fundamental journalistic duty, yet he was punished for performing it,” the council stated.
MCK further revealed that when Njoroge returned to record a statement, the alleged attacker openly threatened him at a police station, “declaring that no action would follow,” underscoring what it described as “brazen impunity.”
The council has called for “urgent, thorough, and impartial investigations” to ensure those responsible are held accountable, including any police officers who failed in their duty.
“Attacks on journalists are attacks on democracy. Press freedom is non-negotiable,” MCK said.
