Media Council of Kenya warns of journalist attacks and launches 2027 election guidelines

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has launched new Guidelines for Election Coverage 2027 and a Strategic Plan for 2026–2030. The initiative, unveiled in Nakuru, aims to prepare the media landscape for the upcoming general elections by promoting professionalism, independence, and responsibility while addressing challenges like AI and misinformation.

Simultaneously, the MCK has raised alarms regarding a surge in violence against journalists. The Council reported that at least 18 journalists and two drivers have been assaulted or injured by politically funded individuals over the last two months. Recent attacks in Homa Bay during the Linda Mwananchi rallies resulted in physical assaults and the destruction of vehicles and equipment belonging to various media outlets, including Mediamax, Standard Group, Agence France-Presse, KBC, and Citizen TV.

The MCK has called on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Inspector General of Police to investigate these incidents and prosecute those responsible, warning that such intimidation threatens press freedom and democratic discourse.