Media groups warn of escalating attacks on journalists ahead of 2027 elections

A coalition of Kenya's leading media organisations has warned that press freedom is under growing threat, citing increased attacks on journalists, intimidation and shrinking civic space as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) said Kenya, once regarded as a regional leader in media freedom, is facing what it described as an unprecedented and coordinated assault on the press by political actors, rogue police officers and organised criminal gangs.

"The recent events have painted a grim picture of the shrinking civic space for media professionals. We are witnessing an alarming trend of intimidation, self-censorship, unpunished brutality against journalists, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law," the coalition said.

The group said journalists covering protests and political events have increasingly become targets of violence, with many assaulted, injured or having their equipment destroyed while carrying out their work.

"An attack on a journalist is a direct assault on media freedom, democracy, and the public's fundamental right to know," KMSWG said.

"Without the bravery of journalists who risk their lives on the frontlines, society would be kept completely in the dark regarding governance, human rights abuses, and systemic failures."

The coalition said the national security agencies had failed to protect journalists from attacks by hired goons and rogue police officers.

"We strongly call out the Ministry of Interior and the national security apparatus for their failure to protect citizens and media professionals," the statement read.

KMSWG also noted that Kenya's position in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index fell from 69th in 2022 to 117th in 2025, saying the decline reflects an increasingly dangerous environment for journalists.

The media organisations demanded justice for murdered Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani, alias "Sniper," and Nakuru journalist Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, who was shot while covering protests despite wearing identifiable press gear.

The coalition also challenged media owners to provide comprehensive medical insurance for journalists assigned to dangerous assignments.

"Equipping a reporter with merely a helmet and a bulletproof vest, while denying them a health safety net, is akin to signing their death sentence," KMSWG said.

As Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election, the coalition urged political leaders to commit to ending violence against journalists.

"We will not allow journalists to be used as collateral damage in political wars," the statement said.

KMSWG called for speedy investigations into attacks on journalists, compensation for injured media workers, stronger security protection, and regional action against media repression in Uganda and Tanzania.