The Media Council of Kenya has condemned Friday’s attack on journalists during a raid spearheaded by Nacada.
The Council insisted that the rights of journalists must be respected, terming the attack an interference with the right to inform.
“By targeting journalists who were only performing their duties, the attackers were seeking to interfere with the media’s right to inform Kenyans on matters of importance that affect their lives,” MCK said on Saturday.
“The Council demands fair compensation for the injured journalists and the replacement of all the destroyed media equipment by the proprietor of the club and the individual perpetrators.”
The Council, however, commended police officers who acted on time and arrested the perpetrators.
MCK called on the Inspector General and the Directors of Public Prosecutions to ensure justice is served.
During the raid, police officers were also attacked and injured.
The MCK statement comes after the Kenya Union of Journalists also termed the attack as barbaric and has no place in Kenya.
KUJ secretary general Erick Oduor asked law enforcers to hold the owner of the nightclub to account for the damages and injuries sustained by journalists and police officers.
“Journalists have every right to serve the society where public interests are concerned and their calling for the greater good of Kenya cannot be obstructed by violence,” he said.
“We condemn this unwarranted violence against journalists and demand that punitive action must be taken in line with the law,” he added.
Journalists from several media houses and police officers were Friday night injured during a raid by the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Nairobi.
The operation against shisha was led by Nacada Chief Executive Officer Antony Omerikwa and Head of Enforcement Nicholas Kosgei.
Shisha possession and consumption are banned in Kenya.
The government imposed a ban on shisha in 2017, including advertising, promoting, distributing and encouraging or facilitating its use.
Nacada board chair Stephen Mairori also condemned the violence and destruction meted out by bouncers at the club.
“Journalists and police officers while on duty are legally mandated to execute their assignment without threats, intimidation, violence or any form of coercion,” Mairori said.