The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has raised alarm over a surge in attacks against journalists, revealing that 18 journalists and at least two media drivers have been assaulted and injured in the past two months.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 17, 2026, the Council called on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Inspector General of Police to urgently investigate the incidents and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“The Council is deeply concerned by the unprecedented attacks on journalists witnessed across the country in recent weeks, which have resulted in injuries, destruction of equipment, and online harassment by security agents, goons, and political party supporters, with little action from the responsible authorities,” MCK said.
The Council said the attacks have created a worrying trend of escalating violations of press freedom, with perpetrators allegedly gaining confidence from the lack of action by authorities.
“The Council is convinced that the continued attacks, intimidation and crimes against journalists, and the reluctance by the relevant investigating agencies to prosecute the perpetrators is the biggest threat to the country’s democracy and media freedom,” the statement said.
Journalists attacked at Linda Mwananchi’s Homa Bay rally
The latest incident was reported on Sunday, August 6, 2026 during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, where eight journalists and two drivers were injured, according to the Council.
Among those attacked were Mediamax journalists Francis Mwangi and Evans Okeyo, whose car was burnt.
Standard Group journalists Sammy Omingo and Rodgers Otiso were physically assaulted, while Associated Foreign Press journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro were attacked and had their cameras destroyed.
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KBC journalist Ken Odiwuor Mayienga was beaten and his equipment stolen, while Citizen TV journalist Kevin Fraj and his driver were assaulted and their vehicle destroyed.
The Council also cited an August 12 attack on Nation Media Group photojournalist Karim Rajan near the Mombasa County Assembly, where he was injured while covering a gathering.
On July 23, five journalists from Mt Elgon TV were attacked while covering a political aspirant in Kimilili, with one journalist seriously injured.
MCK further said at least four journalists were physically attacked and had their equipment confiscated during the Ol Kalou by-election.
The Council said it has documented the cases and submitted them to the Inspector General of Police, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the ODPP for investigation and prosecution.
“However, little progress has been made,” MCK said, urging security agencies and prosecutors to work with affected journalists and media houses to ensure justice is served.
The Council warned that failure to prosecute perpetrators could further undermine press freedom and create a dangerous environment for journalists ahead of the 2027 General Election.
It called on authorities to act urgently to guarantee journalists a safe working environment and uphold constitutional and international protections for freedom of expression and access to information.
