US Warns Kenyan Government Over Police Brutality Against Journalists

The American Government through the US Embassy in Nairobi has on Friday, March 31 raised concerns about police brutality against Journalists tasked to cover the Azimio la Umoja demonstations. 

The Embassy called out the witnessed police aggression while handling Azimio’s mass action as they warned that police brutality against innocent people exercising their rights was uncalled for, while citing an incident in which two police officers were captured on video breaking a press corps’ car before shooting a gas gun into the car. 

“The United States is deeply concerned by recent reports of attacks against journalists,” US Ambaassador Meg Whitman stated.

Ambassador Whitman went on to say that the police actions is equivalent to infringement on press freedom as she urged the police to exercise their mandate as per the Law. She added that police brutality is a tool that can be used to easen destruction of democratic values in a country.

“Protecting press freedom and safety is a cornerstone of democracy,” Whitman noted in a statement.

The Diplomatics Corps in Kenya have asked President Ruto to work on restoring peace as a measure of maintaining Kenya’s reputation for a stable relationship with other countries around the globe. They also called on the  Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to launch an investigation into recent events, including the destruction of private property.

The Corps also called on Opposition leaders to get out of his hardlines and work toward a swift resolution for the common good of country.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) also warned the police against attacking Journalists covering Azimio la Umoja protests. MCK noted that March 2023 was the darkest month in the history of Kenyan media, revealing that over 25 local and international Journalists were injured in the protests.