The Isiolo Press Club has condemned what it describes as an escalating wave of attacks, intimidation and harassment targeting journalists and digital content creators across Kenya, warning that the trend threatens press freedom, democracy and the public’s constitutional right to information.
In a statement issued on Friday, the club cited the recent assault on journalists covering the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election in Nyandarua County, where several reporters were allegedly beaten, threatened and had their cameras, mobile phones and other equipment confiscated by armed men while covering the electoral process.
“The attacks on journalists are attacks on every Kenyan’s right to receive accurate and timely information,” the Isiolo Press club Secretary General Betty Luke said.
The organisation invoked Articles 33, 34, 35 and 244 of the Constitution, calling for swift, independent and transparent investigations into all reported attacks, prosecution of those responsible—whether police officers or civilians—and the immediate return or compensation for confiscated or damaged media equipment.
The statement comes amid growing concern over the safety of journalists covering elections, protests and other public events.
During the Ol Kalou by-election, journalists from several media houses, including Nation Media Group and Radio Africa Group, were attacked while covering disturbances at polling stations.
An NTV cameraman was reportedly beaten and his camera confiscated, while a Nation reporter was allegedly threatened at gunpoint and forced to surrender her mobile phone.
The Star photojournalist Enos Teche was also assaulted while documenting the violence.
The attacks have drawn widespread condemnation from media and human rights organisations.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) described the incidents as a direct assault on press freedom and the public’s constitutional right to access information, saying journalists appeared to have been deliberately targeted to obstruct their work.
The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to institute thorough, independent and transparent investigations, saying journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation or violence.
“Freedom of the media is guaranteed under Article 34 of the Constitution. An attack on journalists is an attack on the public’s right to receive information and a direct assault on democracy itself,” KEG President Zubeidah Kananu said.
The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) also condemned the attacks, with Secretary-General Erick Oduor warning that violence against media workers undermines democratic accountability.
“This madness must stop, because an injury to a journalist or a media worker is an injury to our national spine,” Oduor said.
Nation Media Group also denounced the assault on its journalists, saying the attacks were not only directed at individual reporters but also at the principles of press freedom and the public’s right to receive timely and accurate information.
The Isiolo Press Club reaffirmed its commitment to defending media freedom, insisting that a free press remains a cornerstone of democracy and that protecting journalists is a constitutional obligation.
“We stand in solidarity with every journalist and digital content creator who continues to serve the public despite intimidation. Kenya cannot claim to uphold democracy while those tasked with informing the public are attacked with impunity,” the club said.
