Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) condemns in strongest terms the manhandling of journalists during the June 2024 Finance Bill protests in Kenya tagged #REJECTFINANCEBILL2024, which gained international recognition.
Reports by various media houses, especially within Kenya described graphically the traumatic experience by journalists and protesters.
Our investigation also reveals that the Kenyan police, a body expected to protect journalists in line of duty resorted to assaulting and harassing them, despite the journalists identifying themselves. Moreso, several activists, doctors offering treatment and lawyers representing demonstrators and social media influencers have been abducted.
For emphasis, journalists were at the scene to report what was happening, therefore, they should have been allowed and protected to carry out their legitimate duties without intimidation.
AMDF therefore stand with other press freedom bodies like the Media Council of Kenya to condemn the arrest and attack on journalists.
AMDF calls on the Kenyan media to remain resolute and go about their legitimate reporting work applying all ethical standards.
While AMDF continues to monitor events as they unfold, we call on the Security Agencies to release all arrested journalists so they can go about their lawful duties.
