The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called for investigations into the attacks on three journalists in Kilifi.
In a statement signed by MCK CEO David Omwoyo on Saturday, the council said that the attacks were by alleged Kilifi County Government Staff.
"The Media Council of Kenya has received reports of the assault of three journalists based in Kilifi County while covering a protest against the County Government on 23rd December 2022," he said.
He said the Council condemns the atrocious acts meted against journalists as they are a direct violation of press freedom as espoused in the Constitution.
"The Council calls for swift investigations and prosecution of the perpetrators alleged to be staff attached to the Governor’s office on the attacks against the three," he said.
The journalists are Elias Yaa of The Star Newspaper, Daniel Peshu and Maureen Ongala of Daily Nation.
They were attacked at the Karisa Maitha grounds.
The case involving the staff who were accompanying the County’s Chief of Staff has been reported at the Kilifi Police Station under the OB number 33/23/12/2022.
Omwoyo wished to inform the perpetrators and the public that any attack on journalists is a criminal act and is against the journalists’ rights and privileges protected by law under the 2010 Constitution and the Media Council of Kenya Act, 2013.
"On the same breath, we advise that any grievances concerning the behaviour and practice of journalists be reported to the Media Complaints Commission," he said.
In the absence of decisive action, Omwoyo said that MCK will seek private prosecution of those found culpable.