Radio Africa Editorial Director Condemns Assault On Journalists Covering Ol Kalou By-Election
News Updated: 16 July 2026 21:05 EAT
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Radio Africa Group Editorial Director Paul Ilado has condemned the assault on journalists covering the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, describing the attack on The Star photojournalist Enos Teche as part of a growing and worrying pattern of intimidation against members of the media.
Ilado said the attack was not an isolated incident but reflected an increasing trend of violence targeting journalists while carrying out their constitutional duty of informing the public. He stressed that attacks on media personnel undermine press freedom and deny citizens access to accurate and independent information during critical national events such as elections.
The condemnation followed an incident in which Teche was assaulted while covering disturbances outside Ol Kalou Comprehensive School after violence broke out near a polling station. During the attack, he sustained injuries and his camera was confiscated by the assailants.
According to Teche, a group of masked men arrived in a Prado vehicle, fired shots into the air and lobbed tear gas, causing panic before turning on journalists documenting the unfolding events. He said he was surrounded, questioned about his work, physically assaulted and had his camera forcefully taken away. He also suffered injuries to his chest, hand and leg.
The violence extended to other media houses, with NTV cameraman George Kieru reportedly losing his equipment during the chaos. Nation Media Group journalist Brygettes Ngana and her cameraperson were also reportedly assaulted, with their camera confiscated by individuals believed to be plainclothes security officers.
Ilado called on the National Police Service to conduct swift investigations, identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice. He said journalists are impartial observers and must be allowed to work freely without fear of intimidation, violence or harassment.
The Media Council of Kenya also condemned the attacks, describing them as a direct assault on media freedom and the constitutional right of Kenyans to receive information. The council urged security agencies to recover the confiscated equipment, hold those responsible accountable and guarantee the safety of journalists covering elections and other public events.
The incidents occurred after voting had largely proceeded peacefully before violence erupted in Ol Kalou town later in the day. The unrest briefly disrupted activities around polling centres and heightened concerns over the safety of journalists assigned to cover the by-election.
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FELIX MAKONA
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