The Media Council of Kenya has condemned a recent incident where several journalists from top media houses were attacked after covering a political event in Mathare, Nairobi County.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, Media Council warned Kenyans against attacking journalists, adding that an attack on journalists is a violation of freedom of expression and media freedom.
"We would like to caution members of the public against attacking journalists as this is a serious violation of freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information as provided for in the Constitution.
"Journalists are messengers and should not be targeted for attack from any quarters. The Council takes this matter seriously,” the statement signed by MCK CEO David Omwoyo read in part.
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The matter was reported at the Muthaiga Police Station, with the council for speedy investigations on the matter.
"We urge the police to hasten investigations and subject the perpetrators to relevant legal sanctions,” the council added.
On Saturday, journalists from Citizen TV, Standard Group, NTV, The Star, KBC among others were attacked and beaten by rowdy youth in Mathare while covering an event attended by ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja.
Reports indicate that the youth demanded cash from the journalists, but when they indicated that they had none, the youth descended on them and robbed them of their valuables.
