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.

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, Nataša 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.