In a disturbing turn of events, Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo was targeted by police while covering the ongoing Gen Z protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). The protests, which have been marked by significant unrest, are part of a broader movement against President William Ruto’s administration, largely driven by grievances over the cost of living and perceived government corruption.
Letoo, known for his fearless reporting, was live-streaming the events when he was struck by what appeared to be a projectile, leading to visible distress. In a video shared on social media, Letoo, with tears in his eyes, condemned the police’s actions, highlighting the growing trend of journalists being attacked while on duty. He stated, “How Police today have turned to harm journalists at the CBD is totally unacceptable,” calling out the National Police Service and the Media Council of Kenya to address this issue urgently.
The Gen Z protests, which started in response to controversial tax hikes and have since evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations, have seen increased police presence and violent confrontations. Journalists like Letoo, who are on the front lines reporting these events, have increasingly found themselves in harm’s way. Alongside Letoo, several other journalists, including Cecilia Ngunjiri and Seth Olale, were also injured during the protests. These attacks have sparked widespread condemnation, with media professionals and rights groups decrying the blatant disregard for press freedom.
In the wake of these incidents, there have been calls for immediate accountability for the illegal shootings, beatings, and harassment of journalists. The National Police Service has been under intense scrutiny for its handling of the protests, with accusations of excessive force, including the use of live bullets and tear gas against both protesters and media personnel.
The protests, dubbed “Nane Nane” in reference to the Swahili date of August 8, have seen significant casualties, with over 60 people reportedly killed since they began. Despite the government’s efforts to address public anger, including scrapping the controversial tax hikes and reorganizing the cabinet, the unrest persists, reflecting deep-seated frustrations among the Kenyan youth.
As the situation continues to unfold, the safety of journalists remains a pressing concern, and there are growing calls for international attention to the deteriorating state of press freedom in Kenya.
