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Friday, March 31, 2023 –The United States government has, for the first time, come out to condemn the violence targeting members of the fourth estate, in Kenya.
In an official statement released on Friday March 31 noon, U.S Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, noted that it was distasteful for journalists to be attacked in protests when their only duty is to inform.
“The United States is deeply concerned by recent reports of attacks against journalists. Protecting press freedom and safety is a cornerstone of democracy,” said Whitman.
The Media Council of Kenya MCK data shows that a total of 25 journalists have since been attacked by both police and protestors ever since the anti-government demos kicked off on March 20, 2023.
“March 2023 remains the darkest month for Kenyan media since the clamour for multiparty democracy. We have so far documented 25 cases of attacks on local and foreign journalists at the hands of State and non-State actors since the onset of the demonstrations.
“On Monday, 27th March 2023, the first day of the demonstrations this week, the Council documented 20 cases of attacks, harassment and arrests. Today the number has risen to 25, with some of those affected suffering serious bodily injuries,” MCK noted in their statement on Friday.
This is after the opposition leader Raila Odinga directed his supporters to pour on the streets twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, in peaceful protest against President William Ruto and his government.
Images shared from the scenes of protest have shown some police officers attack journalists’ cars leaving some with body injuries and property loss.
Thursday March 30 protest was the worse as journalists were brutalised along Outering Road forcing some to be rushed to hospital.
