By Meza Mwanza
Mombasa County, Kenya: The Coast Civil Society Network for Human Rights (CSNHR) has condemned the police brutality directed at journalists covering the recent anti-government protests.
At a press conference in Mombasa, Peter Kiama, Director of Haki Yetu Organization, led the network in denouncing the attacks, which they argue undermine the fundamental freedoms of journalists as enshrined in the Constitution.
Kiama emphasized that Kenya, as a democratic nation, upholds the essential freedoms of association, assembly, protest, media, and expression, condemning police violations against journalists and media houses.
“We demand accountability for these transgressions. The network insists that journalists have self-regulating mechanisms, and any attempts to interfere with these formal internal measures will be opposed and will not withstand the current constitutional framework,” he stated.
Kiama also highlighted the excessive use of force by police nationwide and particularly in the Coast region, calling for accountability for these abuses of power.
He noted that six cases of abductions and attempted abductions have been recorded at the Coast, urging the National Police Service (NPS) to address these incidents and prevent acts of hooliganism against any individuals.
“The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) should prioritize nominating pro-reform individuals with exemplary performance for top police leadership positions and expedite the implementation of the Maraga task force recommendations,” he added.
As a human rights advocate, Kiama stressed the importance of governance principles and accountability as the guiding themes for any form of government.
Zedekiah Adika, Chairman of the CCSNHR, stressed the importance of allowing the media to operate freely as guaranteed by the Constitution. He noted the proliferation of media houses in Kenya and called for all licensed media outlets to be allowed to operate without threats to journalists or media organizations.
Adika praised the media’s self-regulation efforts and urged the government to let professional bodies handle regulation.
“Interfering with the media indicates a misalignment with democratic principles. We commend the courts for upholding media rights under the law,” he said.
He also emphasized the network’s commitment to safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms, ensuring that demonstrators can protest without threats.
“We have been monitoring the protests and aim to address the issues we have highlighted,” Adika concluded.
