The Media Council of Kenya CEO Dr Harun Mwangi has strongly condemned cases of harassment of journalists by politicians and their supporters and want DPP to prosecute politicians who assault journalists.
In a press statement sent to media houses, Dr Mwangi said such incidents negate the Constitution which guarantees freedom of the media.
“We urge the National Police Service and the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to undertake speedy investigation and prefer charges against perpetrators of such violence against journalists,” said Dr Mwangi.
He noted that in July and August alone, five journalists from across the country have been victims of assault and harassment by politicians and their supporters.
On Tuesday this week, Nation journalist Grace Gitau and her Standard counterpart Lydia Nyawira were assaulted by Nyeri County MCAs after they realised that they were taking photos in the county assembly.
Two other journalists, Moses Masinde of K24 based in Busia County and Shaban Makokha in Kakamega were attacked by a gang during political rallies.
Dr Mwangi said the growing cases of harassment, intimidation and assault of journalists by politicians and their supporters is a worrying trend especially when the country is heading to the 2017 general elections.