The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has condemned police brutality towards journalists covering Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliances anti-government demonstrations.
This came after some journalists got injured during the Thursday, March 30 protests.
Moreover, LSK President Eric Theuri said the incident was “barbaric, repulsive and retrogressive”.
He further noted that the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome should take the blame.
“It’s obvious the media spotlight is preventing the police from using brutal force on protesters, hence intimidation of media. IG police should take responsibility. He has failed in his responsibility,” Theuri stated.
According to the Media Council of Kenya and the sector regulator, at least six journalists were injured during the attack at Kware in Pipeline, Embakasi South.
Likewise, MCK chief executive officer David Omwoyo noted that journalists targeted mostly were photographers and camerapersons.
In one video, an officer in civilian clothes is seen breaking the window of a media vehicle before lobbing a teargas canister inside.
According to Omwoyo, such incidences portray hooliganism and criminality whose interest is to destroy any evidence of police acts captured on camera.
Also Read: Raila Claims there Were Attempts to Assassinate Him
Nevertheless, MCK Director for Media Training and Development Victor Bwire while speaking during an interview with BBC said the Council will institute legal action against the National Police Service.
“This was not coincidental, they were deliberate acts of assault by officers against journalists who were doing their job,” Bwire said.
The MCK boss reported that they have documented 25 cases of police harassment, attacks, and arrests against local and international journalists since the beginning of the mass protests on March 20.