The Foreign Press Association, Africa (FPAA) has condemned the use of excessive force by police officers on journalists covering anti-tax protests in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 25.
In a statement on June 26, FPAA condemned the use of excessive force by police officers on journalists covering the protests terming them as alarming.
“The blatant use of excessive force by police officers, particularly against journalists, represents a grave violation of fundamental human rights and press freedom,” said FPAA in a statement on June 26.
Additionally, it revealed that police targeted and injured one of its members and colleague Collins Olunga, during the coverage despite clearly identifying himself as a photojournalist Agence France-Presse (AFP).
“On Tuesday, during the anti-Finance Bill protests, our esteemed colleague, Collins Olunga, a photojournalist for Agence France-Presse (AFP), was egregiously targeted and injured by the police. Despite clearly identifying himself as a journalist,” the statement said.
The statement further revealed details of how the journalist was aimed at and struck by a teargas canister causing a severe hand injury.
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FPAA noted the attack as one of the several deliberate attacks towards the media in Kenya.
“Olunga was deliberately struck by a tear gas canister aimed directly at him from close range, resulting in a severe hand injury. This deliberate attack signifies a disturbing trend of hostility towards the media in Kenya,” the statement read further.
Foreign Press Association Slams Police
FPAA stated that Olunga received first aid at a nearby medical facility before being evacuated.
“Olunga, performing his professional duty to document the protests, was initially provided first aid at a nearby medical facility before being evacuated to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi for further treatment.
Additionally, it disclosed that he has since been discharged following minor surgery.
“After undergoing minor surgery, he has thankfully been discharged and is recovering. However, this incident remains a stark reminder of the inherent risks journalists face, particularly when state forces, who are supposed to protect citizens, become perpetrators of violence.
The association pointed out that the incident was not isolated citing that its team on the ground reported several international media personnel having their equipment damaged by police during the same protests.
“Our team on the ground reported multiple international media personnel having their equipment damaged by police during the same protests. Such actions are not only attacks on individuals but are also assaults on the principles of free speech and the free press,” FPAA said.
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MCK calls for probe
At the same time, the Media Council of Kenya – MCK also condemned these actions, urging the police to respect the rights of journalists and allow them to carry out their duties without fear of violence or retribution.
“It is regrettable that journalists continue paying a heavy price during these demonstrations, yet their only role is to protect Kenyan’s right to accurate information on the happenings in their country,” said MCK CEO David Omwoyo.
Furthermore, Omwoyo called on the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), to conduct investigations and bring to book officers who attacked journalists while at work.
“We urge journalists and media workers to exercise caution and ensure personal safety during these difficult moments,” MCK stated.
Omwoyo concluded, “MCK urges the media to carefully exercise discretion and adhere to international ethical standards on live coverage of ongoing conflicts. Discussions with government on such coverage should be amicable and respectful.”
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