Moses Nyamori of The Standard and Luke Awich of The Star were reportedly attacked by suspected goons while covering a public event at Orange House on Thursday, March 24.
The journalists claimed they were approached and attacked by the goons who accused them of working for media houses that published negative stories about the party and tainting its image.
One of the journalists, who spoke to kenyagist.com, stated that the assailants accused their media houses of airing a story that claimed the ODM Party would give direct tickets to popular individuals.
“They attacked us because of stories that our media houses ran. But it was only the two of us who were singled out at the event. It was unfortunate. They frog-marched me to the gate,” one of the journalists stated.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) issued statements after the attacks, demanding that the Inspector General of Police, Hillary Mutyambai, takes action. The entities condemned the attack at ODM headquarters and called on police to protect the press.
“The Council is concerned at political party orchestrated violence against journalists and lack of investigations on such and is calling upon the Inspector General of Police, Hillary Mutyambai, to arrest the perpetrators.
“The two journalists were singled out days after stories published under their bylines on Thursday, March 17, attracted verbal attacks and threats from specific party officials who had been quoted in the story,” the MCK stated.
MCK warned against the profiling of journalists by politicians and their supporters, noting that it was against Articles 34 and 35 of the Constitution on freedom of media and access to information.
The media watchdog also urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) to take stern action against parties and aspirants that condone all forms of violence and especially against the media.
MCK further demanded that the ODM leadership led by former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, disowns such acts against the media and commit to non-interference in the work of media.
The Kenya Union of Journalists warned that political parties that call for press conferences and rallies will be held liable for such attacks.
“We will hold conveners of press conferences and organisers of political rallies liable should journalists be attacked in the line of duty. No amount of harassment and intimidation will stop journalists from carrying out their duty professionally in line with the code of conduct that guides their work,” KUJ stated.
Source: KENYAGIST.COM
