In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, journalists across Kenya have mobilised to protest against escalating police aggression targeting media professionals.

The peaceful march, spearheaded by Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Kananu and Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General Erick Oduor, made a significant stop at Jogoo House to present a petition to Acting Inspector General Douglas Kanja.

The petition, a poignant plea for the protection of journalists, was accepted by Police Spokesperson Resila Onyango.

As the protest progressed, journalists marched through the heart of Nairobi, bringing their petition to the police headquarters before continuing to parliament.

Oduor, echoing the collective voice of his colleagues, demanded, "We are asking for protection from the police and for them to stop shooting and attacking journalists with a lot of excessive force."

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The Media Council of Kenya, reflecting the growing anxiety within the media community, issued a grave warning about the deteriorating relationship between the press and the government.

The protest comes amid mounting tensions between the government and the media, a situation the Media Council of Kenya has described as a “full-blown conflict.”

"What started as a perception about biased media coverage of the 2022 general election has now escalated into full-blown conflict pitting the government against the media; resulting in unwarranted threats, blame games, coercion, intimidation and bad blood," it stated on Monday.

The marchers, undeterred by the challenges, proceeded to Teleposta Towers, aiming to deliver their petition to the Ministry of Information and Communications.

The recent arrest of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho last Wednesday and the shooting of Kameme TV journalist Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki served as catalysts for the protest, galvanising the media community into action.

A virtual forum is scheduled for later this evening to debrief on the day’s events and chart a course for future actions.

This forum represents a crucial opportunity for the media community to discuss ongoing concerns and plan their next steps in the fight for press freedom in Kenya.

As the march unfolded, the city stood witness to a powerful display of solidarity among media practitioners, their determination to safeguard press freedom unwavering in the face of adversity.