Media Council of Kenya (MCK) wants the Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Director of Public Prosecutions to expedite investigation and prosecution on politicians and police officers who allegedly attack journalists in their line of duty.
According to MCK, cases of journalists being attacked and even killed are worrying and relevant government agencies have to intervene.
In a statement to newsrooms on Wednesday after a press conference in Nairobi, the Media Council chairman Charles Kerich said the council has written to relevant government security agencies on the attacks purported on journalists.
“Our appeal is to relevant government agencies and more so the police and the DPP to guarantee safety of journalists working across the country,” said Kerich.
Mr Kerich noted that the council receives many cases of assault against journalists. He said that the constitution clearly provides for safety and freedom of journalists.
He assured that the council will continue to push for the rights and welfare of journalists.
Last week media practitioners across the country held peaceful protests demanding the government to guarantee their safety.
The scribes even threatened to boycott coverage of political rallies and government activities if their safety is not guaranteed.
In the past one year several cases of journalists being attacked and even killed while on duty have been reported.
A Kitale based photographer was murdered by armed goons at and his camera stolen at his Kibomet home on Wednesday night last week.
On Monday, last week two journalists were attacked by guards as they covered demonstrations at Kakuzi Company in Murang’a County.
Two weeks ago a journalist working with the Standard, Mr Joseph Masha died mysteriously after allegedly having a meal with a local politician in Mombasa.
In April this year two journalists, Nehemiah Okwemba (Nation Media Group) and Reuben Ogachi (Citizen TV) were attacked and their cameras destroyed by General Service Unit police while doing investigations over alleged confiscation of 200 heads cattle at the Galana ranch in Tana River County.
In May last year, the owner of Eldoret-based weekly newspaper ‘the Mirrow’ John Kituyi was murdered by unknown people as he headed at his home in Eldoret town.
The case is still in court.
In June this year, a K24 journalist was attacked by goons during an ODM rally in Budalangi, Busia County.