By:Betty Luke
Isiolo journalists under the Isiolo Press Club, alongside content creators and rights crusaders, have condemned the rising attacks, intimidation and harassment of journalists and digital content creators, warning that the trend threatens press freedom and the public’s constitutional right to information.
Speaking during a joint press briefing, Isiolo Press Club Chairperson Hussein Murangiri condemned the reported assault of journalists from Nation Media Group and Radio Africa Group and the confiscation of their equipment while covering the Ol Kalou by-election in Nyandarua County on Thursday.
“These attacks are not isolated. When journalists are assaulted or their equipment is confiscated, it is not only the media that suffers but also the public, which is denied access to timely and accurate information,” Murangiri said.
The official called for swift, independent investigations into all reported attacks and urged authorities to hold both police officers and civilians responsible accountable.
He also demanded the return of confiscated equipment and compensation for damaged property.
Freelance journalist Moses Mwenda challenged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to move beyond condemning attacks on journalists and ensure concrete action is taken against perpetrators.
Royal Media Services journalist Daniel Kalung’e questioned how journalists could distinguish between hired goons and plain-clothes security officers during chaotic incidents, calling for accountability as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
“How do we differentiate police officers from criminals if all of the are armed? It is the high time police exercised utmost professionalism while carrying out their duties,” noted Kalung’e.
Isiolo Gender Watch Executive Director Grace Lolim said attacks on journalists should concern every Kenyan, noting that the media plays a critical watchdog role in society.
“If media people are attacked, then no one is safe not even the community. The media is the community’s watchdog, and any attack on journalists affects us all,” Lolim said.
Content creators Salad Tadicha, Morgan Murithi and Guru Voke echoed the concerns, saying many content creators voluntarily document community issues without financial gain and should be guaranteed safety while carrying out their work.
“We work for the benefit of our communities, not for pay. If our security cannot be guaranteed, it becomes impossible to continue informing the public,” they said.
The group also urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Kenya Editors’ Guild, Kenya Correspondents Association and the Kenya Union of Journalists to closely monitor the incidents and ensure justice for affected journalists and content creators.
It reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and advocating for a safe environment for all media practitioners.
