MCK condemns assault and exclusion of journalists covering State events
National
By
Sharon Wanga
| Jun 01, 2025
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has expressed serious concerns regarding the troubling trend of assaulting and excluding journalists from state events.
In a statement released on Sunday, June 1, the Council's Chief Executive Officer, David Omwoyo, condemned a recent incident in which journalists were attacked while covering the Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay County.
Four journalists, including Ephantus Maina from Royal Media Services, Mable Achieng' from Nation Media, TV47 camera operator Francis Kakai, and Elizabeth Mutuku, were reportedly assaulted by security officers at the entrance of Raila Odinga Stadium.
Despite showing their media identification, the journalists were assaulted, with some losing personal items such as phones and laptops.
They were further forced to plead for entry to the stadium and could not be assured of a safe exit after the event concluded.
READ MORE
Roads dominate development budget in Treasury estimates
Why Ruto is at odds with Treasury numbers
How Nairobi bourse got its groove back
Rogue cable firms and ISPs face jail terms, hefty fines
Climate funds reach millions as counties post 87pc performance rate
SBM Bank signals turnaround with profit jump
Small business, big ecosystems: From insights to action: The next step for small businesses
Forex reserves slide as Iran war tests Kenya economy firepower
Tea export levy raises concerns among growers
Top bank chiefs reap millions in pay and perks on bumper profits
MCK also condemned an incident in which journalists from the Standard Group were denied access to a State House event.
During a media briefing involving President William Ruto and Slovenia's Head of State, Natasa Pirc Musar, journalists Rashid Iddi and Okumu Modachi were barred from covering the event.
"The incidents highlight a concerning trend of deliberate targeting of media professionals, undermining their vital role," stated Omwoyo.
"MCK insists that state events must be accessible to registered media organisations in Kenya and that journalists' safety should be ensured not left to unchecked individuals."
"It is unacceptable that accredited journalists must beg for access to cover state events. Such gatekeeping and intimidation not only instil fear but also constitute economic sabotage in an era of competitive media content creation," he added.
MCK urges those responsible to seek reconciliatory measures and to prioritise the safety of journalists during event coverage.