6 journalists have been injured and scores robbed of their valuables at Raila Odinga Stadium after a shocking attack by police and goons during the Madaraka Day Celebrations.
The attack, which unfolded amidst a heavy security presence intended to mark Kenya’s 1963 internal self-rule, has sparked outrage and renewed concern over press safety.
The Kisumu Journalists Network has condemned the violence as an assault on media freedom. This latest attack highlights a troubling pattern, as the Committee to Protect Journalists notes that at least 15 journalists have faced similar aggression at public events in Kenya over the past five years.
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The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has been documenting attacks on journalists globally, including in Kenya, where public events like protests often see heightened risks.
CPJ has consistently reported on attacks against journalists in Kenya, particularly during high-profile public events.
The attacks often occur during politically sensitive periods, such as protests against tax-rise legislation in 2024 or anti-government demonstrations in 2023.
CPJ has highlighted a climate of impunity, with few perpetrators held accountable, exacerbating the risks for journalists. For example, in March 2023, CPJ called for investigations into attacks during protests, noting harassment by both police and members of the public.
The involvement of state actors, such as police, is a recurring theme, with CPJ documenting cases where journalists were assaulted during operations, like the January 2024 Nairobi bar raid.
“With attacks on dissidents living in exile in Nairobi and a wave of abductions targeting critics of the government, Kenya has become incredibly hostile for anyone with a dissenting opinion,” said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo. “Authorities in Kenya must shake off this shameful reputation,” she added.
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The Kenyan government has a history of inconsistent responses to attacks on journalists, often marked by public statements but little follow-through.
CPJ and other organizations have criticized the lack of accountability, particularly when state actors like police are involved. The Homa Bay incident, where six journalists were injured and robbed during a national event, likely puts pressure on the government to respond, especially given the public nature of Madaraka Day celebrations.
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