ISIOLO PRESS CLUB, CONTENT CREATORS, ACTIVISTS CONDEMN RISING ATTACKS ON PRESS FREEDOM

The Isiolo Press Club, alongside human rights defenders and content creators, is raising the alarm over what it terms a growing wave of attacks targeting journalists while carrying out their duties. In a press statement released on Friday, the club cited recent incidents in which journalists covering political events, demonstrations and other public gatherings have allegedly been assaulted, intimidated and had their equipment confiscated or destroyed. The club expressed particular concern over the reported attacks on journalists from Nation Media Group and Radio Africa Group during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election in Nyandarua County. Several digital content creators also reportedly lost their equipment while documenting events of public interest. According to the Isiolo Press Club, such incidents are becoming increasingly common and pose a serious threat to press freedom and civic space in Kenya. The organization noted that when journalists are prevented from carrying out their work, it is not only media practitioners who suffer, but also members of the public who are denied access to timely and accurate information. The club reminded both state and non-state actors that the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, media independence and access to information, while requiring the National Police Service to uphold human rights and the rule of law. Consequently, the Isiolo Press Club is demanding swift, independent and transparent investigations into all reported attacks against journalists and content creators. The organization says police officers found culpable should face disciplinary and criminal action, while civilians or organized groups involved should be identified, arrested and prosecuted. The club has also called for the immediate return of all unlawfully confiscated equipment and compensation for journalists whose tools of work have been damaged, destroyed or cannot be recovered. Additionally, the Press Club urged oversight institutions, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the Media Council of Kenya and other media organizations, to closely monitor the cases and ensure justice for affected journalists. The statement concludes by emphasizing that journalists are independent observers serving the public interest, not participants in political contests, and that protecting media practitioners is a constitutional obligation essential to safeguarding democracy. #pressconference #press #pressfreedom #isiolo #isiolocounty #isiolocountynews #trending