Media Council Condemns Attack on Journalists in Kitale

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly condemned the assault, abduction, and harassment of two journalists in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, describing the incident as a serious violation of press freedom.

In a statement released Sunday, the council said journalists George Njoroge of MediaMax Network Ltd and Gilbert Sitati of Kenya Television Network were attacked by known individuals following their coverage of alleged corruption involving a local political figure.

According to MCK, the attackers stormed a police station where one of the journalists had sought refuge and assaulted him in what the council termed a “brazen display of impunity.” The council noted that such incidents are becoming increasingly common, with journalists in Kenya facing growing threats, harassment, and violence.

Njoroge was reportedly attacked after sharing a screenshot of a news article on WhatsApp. While seeking protection at a police station, he was allegedly forcibly removed by an individual linked to a local county leader in the presence of police officers. He was later taken to Kitale Forest, where he received death threats before being rescued after the incident gained public attention.

Sitati, on the other hand, was assaulted while filming the attack. The video he recorded has since circulated widely and is expected to serve as key evidence.

The council criticized the conduct of police officers present during the incident, accusing them of failing in their duty to protect a citizen in custody. It called for urgent, thorough, and impartial investigations to ensure all perpetrators, including any complicit officers, are held accountable.

MCK further reported that Njoroge was later threatened at a police station when he returned to record a statement, with the alleged perpetrator claiming no action would be taken.

Describing the incident as part of a broader pattern of lawlessness, the council emphasized that attacks on journalists undermine democracy and insisted that press freedom must be upheld.

The Media Council has urged authorities to take swift action to restore confidence in the safety and protection of journalists across the country.