Police officers culpable in attacks on journalists to face action

The National Police Service (NPS) has condemned the harassment of journalists and the mistreatment of Butere Girls High School students during the National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru, promising disciplinary action against any officers found culpable.

In a statement, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga affirmed NPS’ respect for press freedom and vowed to hold accountable any officers who violated journalists’ rights.

“As a Service, we recognise that attacks on journalists are criminal acts that violate the rights and privileges afforded to them under the Constitution and the Media Council Act, 2013. Any unprofessional conduct—including obstruction, intimidation, harassment, or interference with journalists carrying out their duties—will not be tolerated,” said Nyaga.

He added that investigations are underway to determine the circumstances of the "alleged unfortunate and isolated incident" and that action will be taken against any officer found to have acted improperly.

Separately, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) also condemned the disqualification and subsequent mistreatment of Butere Girls students, terming the incident a direct affront to freedom of expression, artistic creativity, and academic freedom.

‘’The actions taken against the students by the Ministry of Education, the Drama and Film Festival adjudicators, the National Police Service and the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival Secretariat constitute a blatant violation of the constitution,” said ICJ Chairperson Protas Saende.

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The jurists noted that plays critiquing governance and leadership are a legitimate form of expression and urged the Education Ministry to issue a public apology. It also called on the Parliamentary Committee on Education to launch an independent investigation into the actions of officials involved.

‘’We further call for a national dialogue on this particular incident because it buttresses the underlying issue of censorship that has been creeping in through the use of various actors within the National Police Service and also members of the executive.”