Violent attacks against journalists highlight shrinking press freedom

Police lob teargas at journalists covering the protest to demand justice for the killing of blogger Albert Ojwang' in police custody, in Nairobi, on June 18, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

President William Ruto's administration is once again under scrutiny for undermining press freedom, following the shutdown of several television stations last week. This move, widely condemned by media and civil society, mirrors similar actions taken under previous administrations, actions which courts have previously ruled unlawful.

In 2018, the High Court blocked the closure of three TV stations by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Despite this precedent, the current government has followed a similar path, disregarding legal and constitutional safeguards. As journalists continue to report from the frontlines of anti-government demonstrations, many have faced police brutality, intimidation, and harassment.