The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has raised concerns over a sharp rise in press freedom violations, with 47 cases documented between July and September 2026. These cases involve physical attacks, arrests, threats, intimidation, and harassment. This represents a significant increase from 17 cases recorded during the same period in 2025 and 24 in 2024. The MCK attributes the surge to inadequate documentation of violations and victims' reluctance to pursue legal action.
MCK Manager for Press Freedom and Advocacy Rebecca Mutiso highlighted the challenges in holding perpetrators accountable. Journalists often fail to obtain police Occurrence Book (OB) numbers or P3 forms from hospitals after being attacked, leaving investigators and prosecutors without necessary evidence. Mutiso also cited reluctance among victims to pursue litigation, citing fears of employer interference and loss of advertising revenue. This has resulted in many cases going unreported and unprosecuted.
The MCK's Press Freedom Violations Situation Report provides a breakdown of the 47 documented cases. Thirty-four involved assaults, five threats, two arrests, and two cases of intimidation. Abduction, harassment, and surveillance each accounted for one case. Nairobi recorded the highest number of violations with 13 cases, followed by Homa Bay with eight, Meru with seven, Bungoma with six, and Nyandarua with four.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) emphasized the importance of documenting and preserving evidence of violations to strengthen accountability efforts. KNCHR assistant director for reforms and accountability Lucas Kimanthi questioned the effectiveness of police deployment during incidents of violence. He cited the attack on journalists in Ol Kalou, where 30 police officers were present but failed to respond.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Africa Programme Coordinator Muthoki Mumo warned that the security environment for journalists in East Africa is becoming increasingly dangerous, particularly during election periods. Mumo cited developments in Tanzania and Uganda, where journalists are exposed to assaults, beatings, and internet shutdowns. She cautioned that Kenya is not insulated from these threats, as similar forces and factions are also operating locally.
Journalists facing threats require immediate protection beyond legal redress. The Defenders Coalition provides bail and bond services to journalists and other human rights defenders facing criminalization over their work. The organization also offers emergency relocation services for journalists working in hostile areas, enabling them to move to safer locations within the country.
The MCK and other stakeholders are urging for increased protection and accountability for journalists ahead of the 2027 General Election. Key points include the need for improved documentation and preservation of evidence, effective police deployment, and support for journalists facing threats.
Key points
- 47 cases of press freedom violations were documented in Kenya between July and September 2026.
- Inadequate documentation and victims' reluctance to pursue legal action hinder efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
- Journalists require immediate protection beyond legal redress, including emergency relocation services.
