The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya (Defenders Coalition) Executive Director Kamau Ngugi at a past event/HANDOUT

In a statement, the organisation expressed concern over the use of force and intimidation against journalists while carrying out their professional duties, warning that such incidents threaten press freedom and the public’s right to information.

Defenders Coalition said journalists should be allowed to document public demonstrations without being treated as participants in protests or subjected to violence and arbitrary arrest.

“We reiterate that the act of documenting a demonstration does not make a journalist a participant in the protest, nor does it justify harassment, assault, intimidation or arbitrary arrest,” the organisation said.

It added that journalists must be able to perform their work without fear of violence, detention or retaliation for reporting on matters of public interest.

The organisation said the incident raised serious concerns about the safety of media practitioners covering demonstrations and the conduct of law enforcement officers during public gatherings.

It noted that journalists play a critical role in a democratic society by informing the public, documenting events of public interest and holding those in power accountable.

“Harassing, assaulting or arbitrarily arresting journalists in the course of their professional duties undermines fundamental democratic functions and threatens the public’s right to access information,” the statement read.

The coalition cited Articles 34, 33 and 29 of the Constitution, which guarantee media freedom and independence, freedom of expression, and the right to freedom and security of the person, respectively.

It said these constitutional protections bind all State agencies, including the National Police Service, and must be respected in the execution of their duties.

While acknowledging the police’s responsibility to maintain public order and protect life and property, Defenders Coalition insisted that law enforcement must operate within the law and respect fundamental rights.

“The policing of demonstrations must never be used to suppress independent journalism, conceal possible human rights violations or intimidate those holding public authorities accountable,” it said.

The organisation also warned that protecting journalists was particularly important as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, when independent media will be critical to credible elections, informed public participation and accountability.

Defenders Coalition called on the National Police Service and the Inspector-General of Police to publicly condemn the harassment of journalists and issue clear operational directives prohibiting intimidation, assault and arbitrary arrests of media practitioners covering public events.

It further urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the circumstances surrounding Odee’s reported harassment and arrest.

The Government was also urged to take concrete measures to guarantee the safety of journalists and human rights defenders.