Police have launched an investigation into the attacks on journalists during the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival at Melvin Jones Hall in Nakuru.
The incident occurred when police stormed the venue, tear-gassing schoolgirls, journalists, and members of the public during a performance.
Muchiri Nyaga, Director of Communication at the National Police Service (NPS), expressed deep concern over the reports circulating on social media and mainstream media that police officers interfered with journalists while they were carrying out their duties.
In a statement released on Thursday, Nyaga emphasized that the NPS recognizes attacks on journalists as criminal acts that violate their rights under the Constitution and the Media Council Act, 2013.
“The NPS wishes to emphasize that any unprofessional conduct by police officers—including obstruction, intimidation, harassment, or interference with journalists—will not be tolerated,” the statement read.
Nyaga assured that any officer found to have breached these standards would face disciplinary action in accordance with the law.
“The circumstances surrounding this unfortunate and isolated incident are under investigation, and decisive action will be taken against any officer found to have engaged in misconduct,” he added.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly from rights groups and media organizations.
The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) strongly condemned the police’s actions, calling for immediate investigations. In a statement on Thursday, AMWIK said, “Journalists have a right to report freely without intimidation or violence, while children must be protected from harm in all circumstances. We demand accountability for those responsible for these reprehensible actions.”
AMWIK also called on security agencies to focus on their constitutional mandate to protect citizens, especially minors and the media, rather than using oppressive tactics to silence dissent.
Amnesty International Kenya also condemned the police’s violent disruption of the performance. According to the group, officers blocked journalists from entering the venue, fired teargas into the crowd, and intimidated the young performers. “What unfolded was not just a shameful abuse of police authority, but a direct assault on constitutional freedoms,” said Irungu Houghton, the Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya.
The disruption occurred during the performance of Echoes of War, a play by Butere Girls High School that deals with themes around governance and youth-led protests.
Critics argue that the government targeted the student performers for expressing dissenting views. Amnesty International called for the immediate release of the play’s director, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, who was arrested and detained at Eldama Ravine Police Station before being released without charge.
Malala, who authored the play, expressed concern over the whereabouts of 15 students from the cast, claiming they were missing after the police action. He demanded that the police account for the missing students.
The play, which was initially disqualified from the Western Region Drama Festivals, was reinstated after a High Court ruling. Its critical content, perceived as a challenge to the current administration, has made it a target of heightened scrutiny.
The incident has also prompted reactions from political leaders. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna condemned the harassment of students, saying it was shameful for the government to target children expressing themselves through art.
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