The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has condemned the recent incident in which police officials mishandled journalists who were covering MP Babu Owino's bail decision at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi.
The party expressed its disapproval of the police's activities in a sharply worded statement and expressed alarm about Kenya's growing repression of press freedom.
On July, 21, an incident unfolded outside the Milimani Law Courts as journalists had assembled to cover the high-profile bail ruling of Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino. He was facing charges connected to the ongoing Azimio demonstrations. Unfortunately, what was intended to be routine media coverage turned into a distressing scene when police officers were accused of employing excessive force against the media personnel present at the scene.
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"Kenya is fast being turned into a police state where even the freedom of the press is being suppressed by overzealous police officers who have firm instructions to beat anyone on sight including media personnel ," tweeted ODM Party.
Kenya is fast being turned into a police state where even the freedom of the press is being suppressed by overzealous police officers who have firm instructions to beat anyone on sight including media personnel cc @UNHumanRights @MediaCouncilK https://t.co/xWyQUSszpD
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) July 21, 2023
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the police officers were acting on "firm instructions" to disperse the journalists and any onlookers. The officers reportedly resorted to physical violence without any provocation, leading to several journalists sustaining injuries. This incident has sparked outrage among media organizations and the public, who are voicing concerns about the erosion of press freedom in Kenya.
ODM has addressed the issue, stating, "We are deeply disturbed by the events that unfolded at the Milimani Law Courts yesterday. Kenya is fast being turned into a police state where even the freedom of the press is being suppressed by overzealous police officers who have firm instructions to beat anyone on sight including media personnel."
The incident has raised questions about the current state of press freedom in Kenya and the extent of police powers. Media organizations and human rights groups have long criticized law enforcement officials' use of excessive force, calling for accountability and transparency.
Following the distressing incident, Kenyans have come together in solidarity, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of the involved police officers.
They are pleading with the government to punish those responsible for the attack on the journalists right away and to put in place safeguards to stop similar instances from happening in the future.
The assault on journalists at the Milimani Law Courts occurs during a sensitive period when press freedom in the country is already being closely observed. Last year, Kenya experienced a concerning drop of five places on the World Press Freedom Index, signaling a deterioration in the environment for journalists and media organizations. This situation highlights the urgency for safeguarding and upholding press freedom in the nation.
