The Media Council of Kenya has condemned an attack on vernacular TV journalists in Machakos County on Monday and called on the police to expedite investigations and prosecute individuals involved.
In a statement on Tuesday, CEO David Omwoyo said the trio was attacked as they covered a security operation at an illegal alcohol brewing den in Matungulu.
"Journalists Mike Ndunda from Kamba TV, Athiani FM's Richard Muasya and Boniface Mutisya of Mutongoi TV had been invited to cover the raid conducted in the Katine area by the local Chief Francis Mulinge and were attacked by a group of individuals as they recorded the operation," Omwoyo said.
Omwoyo said freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democracy and it's essential for journalists to carry out their work without fear of violence or intimidation.
He said parties who feel aggrieved by the media should report to the Complaints Commission, the entity legally mandated to mediate on the same instead of taking the law into their own hands.
"Attacks on journalists not only violate their basic human rights but also undermine the principles of free speech and open discourse that are vital for a healthy society. We urge our law enforcement authorities to take swift and decisive action to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these attacks," Omwoyo said.
Journalists' rights and privileges are protected by law under the Constitution and the Media Council Act, of 2013.
And despite Kenyan journalists enjoying an environment that is among the most hospitable in Africa, the situation is gradually changing.
Journalists and media workers across the country have in recent times been attacked by police and their equipment confiscated, intimidated and made to flee by goons and sometimes, by well-known personalities.