The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned the violent incident in which several journalists were assaulted and tear-gassed by police officers in Nakuru.

In a statement on Thursday, April 10, MCK criticized the conduct of the police, describing the assault as reckless and a violation of constitutional rights.

"The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) strongly objects to the violent assault and use of tear gas on journalists by police officers at Kirobon High School, Rongai Sub-county, Nakuru County, on the evening of 9 April 2025. 

"The journalists were there to cover a matter of public interest, the attempted arrest of former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala during rehearsals for the play Echoes of War, scheduled for performance at the 63rd National Drama Festival in Nakuru,” the statement read. 

MCK noted that the incident not only endangered the lives of the journalists but also violated their rights to life, security and freedom of expression. 

Additionally, the council used the opportunity to call on all media organizations to prioritise staff safety within their operations. 

"MCK urges journalists and assignment managers in media outlets to embed a culture of prioritising staff safety on assignments, given the alarming trend of attacks on journalists, particularly by police. The Council deems such reckless conduct and misdirected actions by the police abhorrent, as they endangered the safety of journalists. 

"This assault on media professionals represents a violation of their constitutional rights, including the right to life, security, and freedom of expression, as enshrined in Articles 26, 29, 33, 34, and 35 of the Kenyan Constitution," the statement added.

In addition to condemning the assault, MCK demanded immediate action and accountability, calling on the relevant authorities to conduct an investigation into the actions of the officers involved. 

"The Council demands an immediate investigation into this incident and calls upon the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Ministry of Interios and National Administration to take swift action against the officers involved. 

"Such incidents highlight a troubling pattern of aggression towards journalists in the course of their duties, posing a significant threat to press freedom and undermining the media's ability to report without fear or intimidation," the statement concluded.