The Media Council of Kenya has condemned an attack against a Nation Media Group journalist Mwangi Muiruri during Second lady Dorcas Gachagua's event on Thursday.
Muiruri was roughed up by plainclothes policemen attached to Dorcas in Murang'a.
"It is regrettable that despite clearly displaying his media badge, and following all instructions given by security officers, the journalist was physically assaulted and verbally abused yet he posed no danger to anyone," MCK said in a statement.
Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo said raised concerns over a trend where policemen in plain clothes guarding senior government officials act with impunity and attack journalists in contravention of known laws and norms.
"This is shameful, regrettable and worrying," he said.
MCK urged the Independent Police Oversight Authority to identify and publicly name and take appropriate action against the officers involved.
"This will not only be to protect press freedom but also guard against impunity by those acting under the false guise of anonymity," he said.
Muiruri was recording a video of Dorcas distributing relief food to residents when one of her aides approached him demanding to know his identity.
He said he introduced himself and produced his work badge but the aide was not satisfied and grabbed his mobile phone.
“He said they do not allow anybody to record videos using mobile phones during their functions,” Muiruri said.
But a scuffle ensued when the journalist demanded to have his mobile phone back and the aide who was then joined by his counterparts attempted to push him towards their vehicles.
