Tens of Mombasa-based journalists took to the streets on Wednesday to demonstrate against alleged the excessive use of police powers while covering the weekly anti-government protests.
Several journalists have been subjected to police firepower.
Last week, a Nakuru-based journalist was shot three times in the upper leg by police while covering a protest in the region.
A senior editor, Macharia Gaitho, was also arrested but later released following a public outcry.
On Wednesday, Kenyan journalists organized a nationwide protest to condemn the government for targeting media personnel.
In Mombasa, journalists carried placards with messages such as “Don’t crush the messenger” and chanted, “We are not criminals” as they marched through the streets.
The street protest started in the Mapembeni area.
The journalists marched for several kilometres through Moi Avenue, Nkurumah Road, and Mama Ngina Drive to the County Commissioners office at Uhuru na Kazi.
Mombasa Press Club chairman Omar Abdhalla and Coast Media FC official Kevin Odit, accompanied by other journalists, presented a petition to Mombasa County Commissioner Noor Mohammed.
"Journalists are our friends. We are glad you have been able to hold a very peaceful protest," said Mohammed.
He added that the police have never targeted journalists during demonstrations in Mombasa.
“It is unfortunate that sometimes journalists find themselves among the protestors. We have never targeted journalists,” he said.
