Police On Spot as United States Government Breaks Silence on Journalists Attacks

United States Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman has condemned the brutal attack meted out on the members of the fourth estate. 

The envoy in a statement raised concerns over the attacks saying the media plays a key role in the promotion of democracy.

She noted that there is a need to ensure media professionals' safety as they carry out their mandate.

"The United States is deeply concerned by recent reports of attacks against journalists. Protecting press freedom and safety is a cornerstone of democracy," Whitman said in a statement on Twitter. 

The statement by Whitman comes after the media Council of Kenya raised similar concerns. 

Chief executive officer David Omwoyo said majority of those targeted are cameramen and photojournalists 

"Their interest is to destroy any evidence of their acts captured on camera

“Journalists are not contestants in the current political processes and it is unwarranted, gross violation of human rights and impediment to democracy to target them, while knowing they have a duty to inform the public on such matters of public interest,” Omwoyo said.

MCK said six journalists were seriously injured on Thursday. 

This happened when protesters were viciously repulsed by police in Eambakasi South.

The Law Society of Kenya similarly condemned the attacks on the media. 

LSK President Eric Theuri termed the attacks as barbaric, repulsive, and retrogressive. 

He said the attacks were meant to intimidate the media not to cover the event in detail. 

"It's obvious media spotlight is preventing the police from using brutal force on protesters, hence intimidation of media. IG police should take responsibility. He has failed in his responsibility," Theuri said