Kenyan Media Bodies Condemn Violence Against Journalists at Gachagua’s Homecoming

August 22, 2025 – Kenya – 

Journalists covering the return of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on August 21, 2025, were subjected to violent attacks that have sparked widespread condemnation from Kenya’s leading media oversight bodies. The assaults occurred along Mombasa Road, where media crews from TV47, Citizen TV, Standard Group, and other outlets were covering the homecoming from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport when unidentified individuals launched targeted attacks. Journalists suffered injuries, essential equipment—including cameras and mobile phones- was stolen, and vehicles were vandalized amid chaos involving stoning and the presence of motorcyclists amplifying the violence.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) strongly condemned these attacks, highlighting their serious implications for press freedom. MCK urged the Inspector General of Police to initiate a comprehensive investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. Former Chief Justice David Maraga added his voice, warning that such violence, compounded by police inaction, undermines both public trust and constitutional rights, including freedom of the press and peaceful assembly.

Similarly, the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) issued a forceful statement denouncing the attacks as deliberate and systematic efforts to silence the media. KEG President Zubeida Kananu pointed out that police were present during the raids but failed to intervene. She demanded immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved, personal accountability for the Inspector General’s failure to protect journalists, and state assurances to ensure journalists can work without fear of violence or intimidation.

Kananu emphasized that the press would not be intimidated: “Journalists will not be silenced. The truth will not be buried under fists, boots, guns or threats. The press will not retreat,” she declared. KEG warned that normalizing such attacks risks Kenya sliding into impunity and lawlessness rather than democracy and protected freedoms.

These joint condemnations underscore growing concerns that violence against journalists and the lack of accountability pose an escalating threat to media freedom and democracy in Kenya.

Reference – 

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025-08-22-mck-condemns-attack-of-journalists-during-gachaguas-return

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025-08-22-editors-guild-condemns-attacks-on-journalists