An unsettling incident involving the harassment of a Citizen TV journalist by a security agent at the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Headquarters has sparked widespread outrage across Kenya. The incident, which unfolded on Thursday, quickly went viral on social media, with Kenyans condemning the actions of the security officer and calling for accountability.
The journalist had been reporting on the heavy police presence outside the DCI Headquarters, where Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa had been summoned for questioning. Thang’wa, along with former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi, was expected to face grilling in connection with the violent disturbances that marred a funeral in Limuru. The police had deployed anti-riot officers in anticipation of possible chaos outside the DCI offices, making the scene tense and heavily guarded.
In a video that has since gone viral, a security officer dressed in a black suit can be seen aggressively attempting to confiscate the journalist’s camera. The officer, despite the journalist’s attempts to retain control, forcibly grabs at the camera, engaging in a physical struggle. The camera remains firmly in the journalist’s grip, but the security officer repeatedly urges, “utaivunja” (“you will break it”) as he continues his efforts to seize the equipment. The exchange becomes heated as the officer demands, “Achilia” (“let it go”), but the journalist, resolute in her mission, refuses to comply.
The episode is more than just an unfortunate interaction; it raises significant concerns about the safety of journalists in Kenya and their ability to report freely, particularly in sensitive or high-stakes environments. The involvement of security officers in such an incident suggests an orchestrated effort to suppress journalistic freedoms, with the potential goal of stifling the press’s role in documenting and reporting events that the authorities might prefer to remain undocumented.
This particular case has not only caught the attention of the public but also drawn strong reactions from various quarters, with many calling for immediate action against the security officer involved. Citizens, civil society organizations, and media professionals have joined in denouncing the harassment, highlighting the risks faced by journalists working in volatile environments where their safety is threatened. Social media platforms were flooded with posts expressing anger and disbelief, as many called for the officer’s identification and appropriate disciplinary measures.
The act of harassing a journalist in this manner is not only an attack on press freedom but also a violation of the journalist’s constitutional rights. Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to access information and the freedom of the press. Harassment of this nature undermines the essential role the media plays in ensuring transparency and holding power to account. Journalists are often at the forefront of reporting on issues of national importance, and any attempt to silence them sets a dangerous precedent for the free flow of information in the country.
Additionally, the incident sheds light on the growing concern about the militarization of police and security personnel during protests or politically charged events. The heavy presence of anti-riot officers outside the DCI Headquarters, paired with the actions of the security agent against the journalist, paints a troubling picture of the increasing hostility towards the media. Such actions not only intimidate journalists but also risk alienating the public from engaging with their trusted news sources, thereby eroding the vital relationship between the media and the public.
The government and security forces must take swift action to address the growing trend of press harassment. Public trust in the media and the protection of journalistic rights should be a priority for all institutions, especially in situations where the public is relying on the media to provide accurate and unbiased information.
As the debate over the incident continues, there are growing calls for better protection for journalists and more robust systems to hold security personnel accountable. This incident, while troubling, has ignited an important conversation about the challenges that Kenyan journalists face in the course of their work and the need for stronger protections to ensure they can carry out their duties without fear of retribution or violence.
