The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has raised concern over the rising cases of press freedom violations, reporting 47 incidents involving journalists between July and September 2026.
Speaking during the release of the report, MCK Manager for Press Freedom and Advocacy Rebecca Mutiso said the council had documented 34 assaults among the reported cases, highlighting growing threats to journalists carrying out their professional duties.
According to Mutiso, the affected journalists included 36 men and nine women, with Nairobi recording the highest number of violations at 13 cases.
She identified goons as the leading perpetrators of attacks against journalists, followed by police officers, who were linked to 12 cases, and politicians, who accounted for eight incidents.
Mutiso further revealed that Homa Bay County recorded the sharpest attacks during the reporting period.
The latest figures indicate a significant increase in violations compared to previous years, with MCK having recorded 17 cases during the same period last year and 24 cases the year before.
She warned that the situation could worsen as the country approaches the next General Election, noting that some journalists have already expressed fears about covering election-related activities.
Despite Kenya improving to position 106 in the World Press Freedom Index, Mutiso cautioned that the country remains in the red zone, arguing that improved rankings would have little meaning without addressing impunity against journalists.
“Rankings mean nothing without ending impunity,” she said, calling for collective action to safeguard journalists and protect press freedom in the country.
The MCK has urged relevant stakeholders to work together to ensure journalists can carry out their duties without intimidation, harassment or physical attacks.
