US Government Breaks Silence On Media Assault During Azimio Demos

Meg Whitman, the US ambassador to Kenya, has denounced the assaults on journalists that took place during the Azimio la Umoja anti-government demonstrations.

The US Ambassador expressed worry over the attacks on the fourth estate in a statement on Friday, March 31, saying that the media is crucial in advancing democracy. Whitman said that it is important to safeguard journalists while they carry out their duties. The recent reports of attacks on journalists have caused the United States great alarm. Democracy’s cornerstone is ensuring press freedom and security, the US Ambassador tweeted. After yet another day of violent protests in Kenya by members of the Azimio la Umoja alliance, led by the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga, she sent out a tweet.

David Omwoyo, the CEO of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), has also denounced the incident that left 6 journalists hurt. As journalists have a responsibility to tell the public about such problems of public interest, targeting them is unjustified, a flagrant violation of human rights, and a hindrance to democracy, according to Omwoyo.

President Ruto is being urged by the opposition to comply with a number of their requests, as they claim he was unjustly elected in the previous election and is failing to address the rising cost of living. On the other hand, President Ruto asserts that Raila is using the demonstrations as a ruse to topple his government and wreak havoc across the country. He vowed to maintain the status quo and urged Kenyans to disregard calls for protests.

Every Monday and Thursday, rallies against the government are scheduled.