Diese Anfragebeantwortung wurde für die Veröffentlichung auf ecoi.net abgeändert.

9. Jänner 2026

Kurzbeschreibungen zu den in dieser Anfragebeantwortung verwendeten Quellen sowie Ausschnitte mit Informationen aus diesen Quellen finden Sie im Anhang.

Bitte beachten Sie, dass die folgende Anfragebeantwortung nicht auf die Situation von Demonstrierenden in Kenia eingeht.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Allgemeine Informationen zu freier Meinungsäußerung und Pressefreiheit in Kenia            1

Journalist·innen, die über Proteste gegen die Regierung berichten  3

Personen, die sich auf sozialen Medien kritisch gegen die Regierung/Politiker·innen äußern 4

Entführungen von Regierungskritiker·innen   5

Reaktionen der Regierung auf kritische Medien- und Kunstprojekte            6

Quellen           7

Anhang           9

Allgemeine Informationen zu freier Meinungsäußerung und Pressefreiheit in Kenia

Der Menschenrechtsrat der Vereinten Nationen (UN Human Rights Council, HRC) berichtet in seiner Zusammenfassung der Stellungnahmen von Interessengruppen zu Kenia für das Büro des Hohen Kommissars der Vereinten Nationen für Menschenrechte vom Februar 2025, dass mehrere Interessengruppen auf Bedenken hinsichtlich Bedrohungen, Einschüchterungen, Belästigungen, Überwachung und Angriffen auf Journalist·innen hingewiesen hätten. Diese Behandlung habe dazu geführt, dass einige Journalist·innen aus Angst vor Repressalien ihre Berichterstattung selbst zensieren würden (HRC, 4. Februar 2025, S. 5).

Al Jazeera Media Institute schreibt in einem Artikel vom Dezember 2024, dass der Amtsantritt von William Ruto als Präsident Kenias im Jahr 2022 einen negativen Wendepunkt für die Pressefreiheit im Land dargestellt habe. Innerhalb weniger Monate nach seinem Amtsantritt seien angeblich unter politischem Druck leitende Angestellte großer Medienunternehmen entlassen worden. Es herrsche ein Klima zunehmender Einschränkung und Einschüchterung, dessen Ausmaß sich im Rahmen des Umgangs mit Journalist·innen, die über Proteste gegen die Regierung berichten (weitere Informationen hierzu finden Sie im folgenden Unterkapitel) offenbare. Obwohl die kenianische Verfassung Pressefreiheit garantiere, gebe es laut Al Jazeera über 20 Gesetze und Verordnungen, darunter das Gesetz gegen Computermissbrauch und Cyberkriminalität, die tatsächliche Pressefreiheit verhindern würden. Das Gesetz gegen Computermissbrauch und Cyberkriminalität sehe Haftstrafen von bis zu zehn Jahren und Geldstrafen von 40.000 Kenia-Schilling (310,49 US-Dollar) [292,33 Euro][1] für die Verbreitung von Informationen vor, die als Falschnachrichten gelten und zu Gewalt anstiften könnten. Das restriktive Umfeld im Land zwinge viele Journalist·innen zur Selbstzensur. Im März 2023 habe Rutos Regierung die sogenannte „Operation Support Unit“ eingerichtet, deren Aufgabe es sei, abweichende Meinungen bei Protesten zu unterdrücken und gegen „neugierige Journalist·innen“ vorzugehen. Mitglieder der Einheit würden oft verdeckt operieren und sich mitunter als Journalist·innen ausgeben, um Reporter·innen zu verhaften (Al Jazeera Media Institute, 12. Dezember 2024).

Laut The Conversation würden mit Stand April 2023 Regierungs- und Oppositionspolitiker·innen die Medienfreiheit im Land aktiv bedrohen. Die Bedrohungen seien wirtschaftlicher, politischer und physischer Natur und würden von Täter·innen öffentlich verteidigt und gerechtfertigt (The Conversation, 16. April 2023).

Der kenianische Medienrat Media Council of Kenya veröffentlicht 2025 einen Bericht über Pressefreiheit in Kenia mit einem Berichtszeitraum von November 2023 bis Oktober 2024. Während des Berichtszeitraums seien im gesamten Land Verstöße gegen die Pressefreiheit verzeichnet worden, vor allem in den Regionen Nakuru, Nairobi, Wajir, Migori, Uasin Gishu, Mombasa, Kisii, Kajiado, Turkana, Bungoma, Murang'a, Taita Taveta, Nandi, Kitui, Siaya, Busia, Kitale, Baringo sowie online. Die Art der Verstöße habe von körperlichen Angriffen, Verweigerung von Zugang, mündlichen und schriftlichen Drohungen, Online-Belästigung/Einschüchterung, Entführung, körperlicher Bedrohung bis hin zu Verhaftungen gereicht (Media Council of Kenya, 2025, S.vii; siehe auch: S. 2). Unter den gemeldeten Vorfällen sei die Polizei mit 29 Prozent aller gemeldeten Fällen der Haupttäter gewesen, gefolgt von Schlägertruppen (20 Prozent) sowie Politiker·innen und Bezirksverwaltungen (jeweils 11 Prozent) (Media Council of Kenya, 2025, S. 2).

Journalist·innen, die über Proteste gegen die Regierung berichten

Die nationale kenianische Menschenrechtskommission Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) berichtet im Dezember 2025, dass es in Kenia im Jahr 2025 zu einem besorgniserregenden Anstieg von Übergriffen auf Journalist·innen gekommen sei. Es sei zu Angriffen, Zugangsverweigerungen, Bedrohungen und vorübergehender Einstellung des Medienbetriebs gekommen, insbesondere während Proteste oder Staatsveranstaltungen stattgefunden hätten. Das ganze Jahr über seien Journalist·innen, die über Demonstrationen in Orten wie Majengo, Molo und Nyeri sowie über nationale Ereignisse wie die Madaraka-Feierlichkeiten in Homa Bay berichteten, von Polizist·innen und feindseligen Gruppen mit Gewalt und Einschüchterungen konfrontiert gewesen. Reporter·innen seien mit Schlagstöcken geschlagen, misshandelt, ihre Ausrüstung zerstört oder sie seien gezielt an der Ausübung ihrer Arbeit gehindert worden. Betroffen seien unter anderem Teams großer nationaler Medienunternehmen wie der Standard Media Group, Royal Media Services, KTN News (Kenya Television Network), Nation Media Group und Kameme TV gewesen. Journalist·innen wie Daniel Chege, Steve Okedi, Ephantus Maina, Mable Achieng’, Kamau Mwangi, James Maina und Wahu Ngugi seien direkt angegriffen worden. Laut KNCHR seien Journalist·innen, die über Angelegenheiten von öffentlichem Interesse berichten, zunehmend Gewalt ausgesetzt (KNCHR, 12. Dezember 2025, S. 20).

Das International Press Institute (IPI) berichtet in diesem Zusammenhang im Juni 2025 von Angriffen auf Journalist·innen, die über Proteste zum Jahrestag von im Jahr 2024 stattgefundenen Protesten berichtet hätten. Es seien mindestens fünf Journalist·innen verletzt worden, zwei von ihnen durch ein Gummigeschoss bzw. Tränengas der Polizei, drei weitere durch Demonstrant·innen (IPI, 27. Juni 2025).

Eine Vielzahl von Medien berichten über Gewalt an Journalist·innen von Seiten der nationalen Sicherheitskräfte während der Proteste gegen Steuern im Jahr 2024 (Al Jazeera Media Institute, 12. Dezember 2024; Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 3; HRC, 4. Februar 2025, S. 5; IFJ, 27. Juni 2024; IPI, 27. Juni 2024; Public Media Alliance, 31. Juli 2024; Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, 17. Juni 2025; RSF, 8. August 2024). Al Jazeera Media Institute zitiert im Dezember 2024 Larry Madowo von CNN, laut dem die kenianische Polizei absichtlich auf ihn und sein Team geschossen habe. Auch die Fernsehjournalistin Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki sei angeschossen worden, obwohl sie einen gut sichtbaren Presseausweis getragen habe. Weiters sei Collins Olunga, ein Fotojournalist der Agence France-Presse (AFP), gezielt von der Polizei angegriffen und verletzt worden. Der Videoeditor der Standard Group, Justice Mwangi Macharia, sei festgenommen worden, während Sammy Kimatu, ein Reporter von Taifa Leo (Nation Media Group), gewaltsam aus einem fahrenden Polizeifahrzeug geworfen worden sei und dabei Verletzungen erlitten habe. Die Sicherheitskräfte hätten gezielte Angriffe auf Journalist·innen bestritten (Al Jazeera Media Institute, 12. Dezember 2024; siehe auch: IFJ, 27. Juni 2024; IPI, 27. Juni 2024; RSF, 8. August 2024; DW, 28. Juni 2025). Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) berichtet im August 2024, dass Polizist·innen nach dem Angriff auf die oben genannte Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki ihr ins Krankenhaus gefolgt seien. Laut Zeug·innen, die ebenfalls Reporter·innen seien, hätten die Polizist·innen versucht, Beweise der Verletzungen zu sichern und die Verbreitung von Informationen zu kontrollieren. RSF berichtet weiters, dass trotz der zunehmenden Gewalt durch Polizist·innen keine der angeblich von der Unabhängigen Polizeiaufsichtsbehörde (Independent Policing Oversight Authority, IPOA) durchgeführten Untersuchungen zu einem Ergebnis geführt hätten (RSF, 8. August 2024). Public Media Alliance schreibt im Juli 2024, dass laut der Kenya Editors‘ Guild Sicherheitsbeamt·innen Journalist·innen im Rahmen der Proteste wiederholt mit gefährlichen Chemikalien angegriffen und ihre Ausrüstung zerstört hätten (Public Media Alliance, 31. Juli 2024). Laut dem Al Jazeera Media Institute habe die Regierung während der Proteste mit der Abschaltung des kenianischen Fernsehsenders KTN gedroht, nachdem dieser Aufnahmen von Demonstrant·innen, die das Parlament stürmten, ausgestrahlt habe. KTN habe später den Sendebetrieb eingestellt und eine angespannte Finanzlage als Grund angegeben (Al Jazeera Media Institute, 12. Dezember 2024; siehe auch: Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 12).

Index on Censorship zitiert in einem Artikel vom Juli 2024 die kenianische Journalistin Hanifa Adan, die über die Proteste im Land berichtet und Spenden für Verletzte gesammelt habe. In weiterer Folge hätten Regierungsblogger·innen online Falschinformationen über sie verbreitet. Laut Adan könne sie nicht mehr telefonieren, da die Behörden ihr Telefon abhören und ihren Standort verfolgen würden. Dies werde auch bei anderen Kritiker·innen gemacht. Adan sei ins Präsidentenhaus eingeladen worden und man habe versucht, sie zu bestechen. Adan erklärt gegenüber Index on Censorship weiters, dass die Kriminalpolizei Menschen entführe und einige von ihnen foltere (Index on Censorship, 24. Juli 2024).

Laut The Conversation sei es 2023 ebenfalls zu Gewalttaten gegen Journalist·innen bei Protesten gekommen. Der Generalinspektor der Polizei habe die Übergriffe damals als „Berufsrisiko“ des Journalismus bezeichnet (The Conversation, 16. April 2023).

Personen, die sich auf sozialen Medien kritisch gegen die Regierung/Politiker·innen äußern

Democracy in Africa schreibt in einem Artikel vom Juni 2025, dass die Einschüchterung von Personen, die digitale Plattformen für die Öffentlichkeitsarbeit nutzen, stetig zugenommen habe. Laut der kenianischen Medien-NGO Baraza Media Lab gebe es eine rote Linie. Wer diese überschreite, riskiere ernsthafte persönliche und berufliche Konsequenzen. Die sei besonders der Fall für junge Aktivist·innen, die zumeist digitale Medien für ihre Öffentlichkeitsarbeit einsetzen würden. Das Gesetz Nr. 5 von 2018 zur Bekämpfung von Computermissbrauch und Cyberkriminalität sei in diesem Zusammenhang das von der Regierung bevorzugte Rechtsinstrument. Es ermögliche dem Staat Repression durch Verhaftungen, Einschüchterung und rechtlich fragwürdige Rechtsdurchsetzung auszuüben, speziell in Fällen in denen Autoritäten in Frage gestellt oder Bürger·innen mobilisiert würden (Democracy in Africa, Juni 2025).

Journal of Democracy berichtet im Juli 2025, dass Regierungsbeamt·innen in Folge der Proteste versuchen würden, die Gen-Z-Bewegung online zu delegitimieren (Journal of Democracy, Juli 2025).

Laut Civicus habe die staatliche Repression mit Juni 2025 auch im Internet zugenommen. Im selben Monat sei der Aktivist Albert Omondi Ojwang unter verdächtigen Umständen in Polizeigewahrsam verstorben, nachdem er wegen eines Social-Media-Posts festgenommen worden sei (Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 3; siehe auch: DW, 28. Juni 2025). Ojwang habe über X und Facebook Kommentare zu politischen und sozialen Themen veröffentlicht. Er sei auf Anordnung des stellvertretenden Generalinspekteurs Eliud Lagat festgenommen worden, der ihm vorgeworfen habe, seinen Ruf online zu schädigen, nachdem Ojwang Lagat in einem Beitrag auf X Korruption vorgeworfen habe (Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 11; siehe auch: Democracy in Africa, Juni 2025). Democracy in Africa schreibt ebenfalls im Juni 2025, dass laut Untersuchungen der Unabhängigen Polizeiaufsichtsbehörde (IPOA) Ojwang nach schweren Misshandlungen durch vier Mithäftlinge verstorben sei. Diese hätten auf Anweisung des Polizeibeamten James Mukhwana gehandelt, der in Folge festgenommen worden sei. In einer Aussage gegenüber der IPOA habe Mukhwana behauptet, sein Vorgesetzter, Samson Talaam, der Leiter der Zentralen Polizeistation, habe ihm befohlen, Ojwang zu „disziplinieren“. Talaams Befehle stamme angeblich vom oben genannten Eliud Lagat persönlich (Democracy in Africa, Juni 2025).

Weiters sei die Softwareentwicklerin Rose Njeri verhaftet worden. Ihr sei vorgeworden worden, gegen das Gesetz zur Bekämpfung des Missbrauchs von Computern und Cyberkriminalität von 2018 verstoßen haben, indem sie ein Online-Tool entwickelt habe, mit dem Nutzer·innen gegen den jüngsten Finanzgesetzentwurf protestieren könnten (Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 3; siehe auch: Democracy in Africa, Juni 2025; Freedom House, 13. November 2025).

Entführungen von Regierungskritiker·innen

Civicus schreibt im Juni 2025, dass es sowohl 2024 wie auch 2025 zu staatliche angeordneten Entführungen, unter anderem von Influencer·innen und Demonstrant·innen, gekommen sei und die Behörden mit aller Härte gegen die Meinungsfreiheit vorgehen würden (Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 3).

Laut dem Freedom House-Bericht über Internetfreiheit in Kenia 2025 habe sich diese während des Berichtszeitraums vom Juni 2024 bis Mai 2025 deutlich verschlechtert. Unter anderem seien an Demonstrationen beteiligte Online-Aktivist·innen willkürlich verhaftet worden. Berichten zufolge hätten die Behörden die Geräte vieler Inhaftierter beschlagnahmt und sie zu ihren Aktivitäten in sozialen Medien sowie zu Verbindungen zu den Protesten und Internetaktivist·innen befragt. Verhaftungen aufgrund von Online-Aktivitäten hätten während des gesamten Berichtszeitraums angedauert (Freedom House, 13. November 2025).

Deutsche Welle zitiert im Juni 2025 Irungu Houghton, Direktor der Kenia-Abteilung von Amnesty International. Laut Houghton würden die kenianischen Behörden Einzelpersonen in sozialen Medien ins Visier nehmen, wenn diese 30.000 oder 40.000 Follower hätten und sich zu einer einflussreichen Person oder einem Projekt äußern oder zu einer Demonstration aufrufen würden (DW, 28. Juni 2025).

BBC News berichtet im Jänner 2025, dass fünf junge Kenianer – darunter ein bekannter Karikaturist –, die kurz vor den Weihnachtsfeiertagen verschwunden seien, lebend aufgefunden wurden. Kenia werde von einer Welle von Vermisstenfällen erschüttert, als Teil derer laut einer staatlich finanzierten Menschenrechtsorganisation in den sechs Monaten zuvor über 80 Menschen entführt worden seien. Die Entführungen hätten im Juni 2024 im Zuge landesweiter Proteste gegen Steuererhöhungen begonnen, und im Dezember zugenommen, als KI-generierte Fotos des Präsidenten in einem Sarg weite Verbreitung gefunden hätten. Sie würden sich in der Regel gegen Regierungskritiker·innen richten und würden weithin den Sicherheitskräften zugeschrieben. Letztere hätten jedoch keine Verantwortung für die Entführungen übernommen (BBC News, 6. Jänner 2025; siehe auch: DW, 10. Februar 2025; Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 9). Civicus berichtet, dass die oben genannten wiederaufgetauchten Personen in einem Interview mit CNN angegeben hätten, nicht zu wissen, wer sie festgenommen habe. Einige von ihnen hätten seit dieser Zeit die Regierung nicht mehr online kritisiert oder sich überhaupt nicht mehr geäußert (Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 9).

Deutsche Welle (DW) schreibt Ende Dezember 2024, dass vier Personen, von denen von dreien bekannt sei, dass sie sich auf sozialen Medien gegen die Regierung von Präsident William Ruto ausgesprochen hätten, vermisst würden. Mehrere Gruppen, inklusive Augenzeug·innen und Amnesty International, würden die Polizei beschuldigen, für die Entführungen verantwortlich zu sein. Diese bestreite jedoch jegliche Beteiligung (DW, 27. Dezember 2024).

Journal of Democracy schreibt im Juli 2025, dass es in Kenia zu einer Welle staatlich angeordneter Entführungen komme, die sich gegen junge Menschen richten würden, die mit der Protestbewegung in Verbindung stünden. Aktivist·innen, Blogger·innen und digitale Kreative, die sich online gegen die Regierung aussprechen, würden von maskierten Sicherheitsbeamten in Zivil abgeholt. Viele der Inhaftierten würden tagelang ohne Kontakt zur Außenwelt festgehalten, ohne formelle Anklage oder Zugang zu einem Rechtsbeistand. Nach ihrer Freilassung hätten sie von Folter und Verhören zu ihren Online-Aktivitäten berichtet (Journal of Democracy, Juli 2025).

KNCHR erklärt Ende Dezember 2024, dass die genannten Entführungen in verschiedenen Teilen des Landes vorkommen würden und von unbekannten bewaffneten Personen verübt würden. Bei den Entführten handle es sich um Dissident·innen, die speziell in den sozialen Medien engagiert seien. Zwischen Juni und Dezember 2024 seien insgesamt 82 Personen als entführt oder Fälle von Verschwindenlassen gemeldet worden. Mit Veröffentlichung des Berichts seien 29 Personen weiterhin vermisst (KNCHR, 27. Dezember 2024; siehe auch: Freedom House, 13. November 2025).

Reaktionen der Regierung auf kritische Medien- und Kunstprojekte

BBC News berichtet im April 2025 von einem nationalen Theaterwettbewerb für kenianische Schüler·innen. Der ehemalige Senator, Clephas Malala, habe das Drehbuch für das eingereichte Theaterstück der Schülerinnen der Butere Girls High School geschrieben, das in einem fiktiven Königreich spiele, in dem die Jugend das Vertrauen in ihren Anführer verloren hätten. Malala sei von der Polizei vor der Generalprobe festgenommen und später ohne Anklage freigelassen worden. Die Polizei habe Tränengas eingesetzt, um die Menschenmenge aufzulösen, die sich im Rahmen des Wettbewerbs versammelt hatte, um das Theaterstück zu sehen (BBC News, 10. April 2025). Laut Civicus habe das Stück die nationalen Proteste von 2024 thematisiert und die Aufführung desselben sei zunächst in Folge einer Anweisung des Präsidentenpalastes untersagt worden. Ein Gericht habe in weiterer Folge die Aufführung erlaubt. Polizisten hätten Journalist·innen angegriffen und Tränengas eingesetzt, als diese über die Aufführung berichten wollten (Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 12).

Civicus berichtet weiters von der von BBC auf Druck der kenianischen Regierung im April 2025 abgesagten geplanten Vorführung der Dokumentation „Blood Parliament“ in Nairobi. Die Dokumentation habe die Tötung dreier unbewaffneter Demonstrant·innen durch Sicherheitskräfte vor dem Parlament im Juni 2024 behandelt. Statt der geplanten privaten Vorführung mit anschließender Podiumsdiskussion mit Aktivist·innen, die in der Dokumentation zu sehen seien, habe BBC die Dokumentation auf ihrem YouTube-Kanal gestreamt. Im Mai 2025 seine vier Filmemacher, Brian Adagala, Mark Karubiu, Christopher Wamae und Nicholas Wambugu, wegen angeblicher Falschberichterstattung im Zusammenhang mit der Dokumentation festgenommen und inhaftiert wurden, obwohl die BBC bestätigt habe, dass die vier an der Produktion nicht beteiligt gewesen seien. Sie seien später gegen Kaution freigelassen. Ihnen werde die Veröffentlichung falscher Informationen und Cyberbelästigung vorgeworfen, wobei der Staat eine Freiheitsstrafe von bis zu 10 Jahren oder eine Geldstrafe von jeweils 20 Millionen Kenia-Schilling (ca. 155.800 US-Dollar) [ca. 135.930 Euro][2] fordere (Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 10; siehe auch: Democracy in Africa, Juni 2025). Das Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) berichtet in diesem Zusammenhang im September 2025, dass auf die Handys von zwei der oben genannten Filmemacher Spionagesoftware installiert worden sei, während sich die Geräte in Polizeigewahrsam befunden hätten (CPJ, 10. September 2025).

Quellen: (Zugriff auf alle Quellen am 9. Jänner 2026)

·      Al Jazeera Media Institute: Journalists and the Gen–Z protest in Kenya, 12. Dezember 2024
https://institute.aljazeera.net/en/ajr/article/2967

·      BBC News: Five missing Kenyan youths freed amid uproar over abductions, 6. Jänner 2025
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ced8q1yxggqo

·      BBC News: Kenya police fire tear gas during school drama competition, 10. April 2025
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxnnd3v2n2o

·      Civicus: Kenya: Police Bullets, Digital Chains: State Sanctioned Brutality in Kenya’s Peaceful Youth-Led Uprising, 25. Juni 2025
https://civicusmonitor.contentfiles.net/media/documents/Kenya.ResearchBrief.June2025.pdf

·      Conversation (The): From advertising blackmail to physical threats, Kenya’s journalists are under attack – but they must also regain public trust, 16. April 2023
https://theconversation.com/from-advertising-blackmail-to-physical-threats-kenyas-journalists-are-under-attack-but-they-must-also-regain-public-trust-203580

·      CPJ - Committee to Protect Journalists: Spyware installed on Kenyan filmmakers’ phones in police custody, 10. September 2025
https://cpj.org/2025/09/spyware-installed-on-kenyan-filmmakers-phones-in-police-custody/

·      Democracy in Africa: The War on Youth Activists in Kenya, Juni 2025
https://democracyinafrica.org/the-war-on-youth-activists-in-kenya/

·      DW - Deutsche Welle: Kenya rights body alarmed by abductions of Ruto critics, 27. Dezember 2024
https://www.dw.com/en/kenya-rights-body-alarmed-by-abductions-of-ruto-critics/a-71172449

·      DW - Deutsche Welle: Why Kenya is cracking down on viral AI-generated content, 10. Februar 2025
https://www.dw.com/en/kenya-ai-generated-social-media-content-free-speech-v2/a-71524279

·      DW - Deutsche Welle: Kenya Gen Z protests see press freedom under fire, 28. Juni 2025
https://www.dw.com/en/kenya-gen-z-protests-see-press-freedom-under-fire/a-73078878

·      Freedom House: Freedom on the Net 2025 - Kenya, 13. November 2025
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2133572.html

·      HRC - UN Human Rights Council: Summary of stakeholders’ submissions on Kenya; Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights [A/HRC/WG.6/49/KEN/3], 4. Februar 2025
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2123620/g2501639.pdf 

·      IFJ – International Federation of Journalists: Kenya: Journalists attacked by police during protest in Nairobi, 27. Juni 2024
https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/article/kenya-journalists-attacked-by-police-during-protest-in-nairobi

·      Index on Censorship: Kenya: Young reporters and NGOs targeted as part of clampdown on Gen Z protests, 24. Juli 2024
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2024/07/kenya-young-reporters-and-ngos-targeted-as-part-of-clampdown-on-gen-z-protests/

·      IPI – International Press Institute: Kenya: Attacks on journalists covering protests must stop, 27. Juni 2024
https://ipi.media/kenya-attacks-on-journalists-covering-protests-must-stop/

·      IPI – International Press Institute: Kenya: Media blackout, journalist attacks, and contempt of court mar 25 June anniversary protests, 27. Juni 2025
https://ipi.media/kenya-media-blackout-journalist-attacks-anniversary-protests/

·      Journal of Democracy: Why Kenya’s Gen Z Has Taken to the Streets, Juli 2025
https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/online-exclusive/why-kenyas-gen-z-has-taken-to-the-streets/

·      KNCHR – Kenya National Commission on Human Rights: Statement on the Recent Surge of Abductions/Enforced Disappearances in Kenya, 27. Dezember 2024
https://www.knchr.org/Articles/ArtMID/2432/ArticleID/1213/Statement-on-the-Recent-Surge-of-AbductionsEnforced-Disappearances-in-Kenya

·      KNCHR – Kenya National Commission on Human Rights: The State of Human Rights in Kenya, Assessing the Progress Made and Areas of Concern, December 2024-December 2025, 12. Dezember 2025
https://www.knchr.org/Portals/0/KNCHR%20State%20of%20Human%20Rights%20Report%202025%20-%20Dec%202024-Dec%202025%20-%20FINAL_1.pdf

·      Media Council of Kenya: State of Press Freedom in Kenya, November 2023 to October 2024, 2025
https://mediacouncil.or.ke/sites/default/files/downloads/State%20of%20Press%20Freedom%20in%20Kenya%202025%20%284%29%20%281%29.pdf

·      Public Media Alliance: Journalists protest against police brutality during violent nationwide demonstration, 31. Juli 2024
https://www.publicmediaalliance.org/kenya-journalists-protest-against-police-brutality-during-nationwide-violent-demonstration/

·      Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism: Kenya, 17. Juni 2025
https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2025/kenya

·      RSF - Reporters Without Borders: Kenya: RSF calls for accountability as police violently target journalists, 8. August 2024
https://rsf.org/en/kenya-rsf-calls-accountability-police-violently-target-journalists

Anhang: Quellenbeschreibungen und Informationen aus ausgewählten Quellen

Al Jazeera Media Institute ist das Ausbildungszentrum des in Qatar ansässigen arabischen Nachrichtensenders Al Jazeera.

·      Al Jazeera Media Institute: Journalists and the Gen–Z protest in Kenya, 12. Dezember 2024
https://institute.aljazeera.net/en/ajr/article/2967

„However, the ascension of William Ruto to the presidency in Kenya in 2022 marked a troubling shift for the country’s vibrant press landscape. The subsequent Gen-Z cum anti-tax protests served as a critical juncture, revealing the extent to which Ruto's government has crossed established boundaries concerning press freedom. As journalists face increasing restrictions and intimidation, the very foundation of independent reporting in Kenya is under threat, raising significant concerns about the future of free expression in the nation.

But even with the hostile environment during these protests, journalists demonstrated remarkable courage, facing tear gas, water cannons, and even live ammunition to keep the world informed about the unfolding crisis. […]

Journalists experienced violence especially from law enforcement during the anti-tax protests despite not actively taking part in it. Twenty-four journalists according to Kenya’s Media Council were attacked and injured by police during the demonstrations.

On August 8, CNN [Cable News Network]'s Larry Madowo raised alarm on his Facebook page about targeted shootings against him and his team. ‘Kenyan police,’ he wrote, ‘targeted me directly today. I was hit by a fragment after officers aimed at me and my CNN team at least twice while covering protests in Nairobi.’

Earlier incidents included the shooting and injuring of TV journalist Catherine Wanjeri along Kenyatta Avenue, despite her wearing visible press credentials. Similarly, Collins Olunga, a photojournalist with Agence France-Presse (AFP), was explicitly targeted and injured by police.

Standard Group video editor Justice Mwangi Macharia was arrested, while Sammy Kimatu, a reporter for Taifa Leo of Nation Media Group, was violently thrown out of a moving police vehicle, sustaining physical injuries. Although law enforcement denied targeting journalists, Wanjeri is adamant that her attack was not deliberate and premeditated. […]

The violent treatment of journalists during the Gen-Z protests in Kenya signals a deeper, systemic issue that has escalated since President William Ruto took office. Within months of his administration, senior executives from major media organizations were dismissed, reportedly under political pressure. During the protests, the government threatened to shut down the Kenyan Television Network (KTN) after it aired footage of protesters storming Parliament. Although KTN later ceased operations citing financial constraints, it is widely believed that Kenya’s Communications Authority ordered the television signal carriers to cut off their broadcast. […]

Kenya’s 2010 constitution guarantees press freedom; however, over 20 acts and laws, including the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, hinder true press freedom. This act imposes penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of KES 40,000 ($310.49) for disseminating information deemed fake news that could incite violence.

This restrictive environment has forced many journalists to adopt self-censorship. ‘We practise a lot of self-censorship,’ admitted Kagonye. ‘For obvious reasons.’ He explained that being overly critical of the government can put journalists at risk. ‘To stay safe, you just stick to straight reporting without being too critical,’ he added. […]

In March 2023, Ruto’s government established the Operation Support Unit, tasked with suppressing dissent during protests and targeting ‘nosy journalists.’ Members of the unit often operate undercover, sometimes posing as journalists to arrest reporters.

The violence against journalists has not been limited to harassment. In October 2022, Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif was killed by Kenyan police in Nairobi after failing to stop at a checkpoint. Despite mounting violence, Kenyan government and police officials continue to dismiss such incidents.” (Al Jazeera Media Institute, 12. Dezember 2024)

Die British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) mit Hauptsitz in London ist ein öffentlich-rechtlicher Rundfunksender, dessen Abteilung BBC News Nachrichten sammelt und veröffentlicht.

·      BBC News: Five missing Kenyan youths freed amid uproar over abductions, 6. Jänner 2025
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ced8q1yxggqo

„Five young Kenyan men - including a popular cartoonist - who went missing just before the Christmas holidays have been found alive, family members and rights groups say.

Kenya has been gripped by a wave of disappearances, with the state-funded rights group saying that over 80 people have been abducted in the last six months.

The abductions generally target government critics and are widely believed to be the work of security agents, although the authorities have not admitted responsibility.

They began in June last year during nationwide anti-tax protests, but increased in December, when AI-generated photos of the president in a coffin were widely shared.

The youth-led protests forced President William Ruto to withdraw a series of planned tax rises and shook his government, leaving his authority badly undermined.

Kibet Bull, known for his silhouette cartoon memes critical of the president, announced his release on Monday afternoon on X to much fanfare.“ (BBC News, 6. Jänner 2025)

·      BBC News: Kenya police fire tear gas during school drama competition, 10. April 2025
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxnnd3v2n2o

„Kenya's national high-school drama competition has been overshadowed by drama of its own after police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd that had gathered to watch a controversial play.

Echoes of War is set in a fictional kingdom where the youth have lost faith in their leaders. […]

Tensions flared in the western town of Nakuru on Thursday morning when the student performers stormed out of the venue, demanding the release of the play's author, Cleophas Malala, who had been detained by police.

The scriptwriter and former senator who had penned the production for students from Butere Girls High School, was blocked by police from meeting the young performers for final rehearsals on Wednesday evening.

Malala was later released without charge and praised the students for boycotting the play.“ (BBC News, 10. April 2025)

Civicus hat seinen Sitz in Johannesburg und ist laut Selbstbeschreibung ein globaler Zusammenschluss zivilgesellschaftlicher Organisationen und Aktivist·innen mit dem Ziel, ziviles Handeln und Zivilgesellschaften weltweit zu stärken.

·      Civicus: Kenya: Police Bullets, Digital Chains: State Sanctioned Brutality in Kenya’s Peaceful Youth-Led Uprising, 25. Juni 2025
https://civicusmonitor.contentfiles.net/media/documents/Kenya.ResearchBrief.June2025.pdf

„In response, police used live ammunition, including by deploying snipers to shoot peaceful and unarmed protesters, while plainclothes and masked police officers in unmarked vehicles shot live ammunition and teargas directly at people, including medical personnel and journalists. National security and intelligence operatives arrested and abducted protesters, including social media influencers who had been vocal in supporting the protests, on allegations of leading and funding protests. […]

A year later, a chilling crackdown on civic freedoms has continued unabated, with state-sanctioned abductions continuing and the authorities clamping down on freedom of expression. As Kenyans turn to digital spaces to seek safer, alternative ways to express dissent, state repression has escalated even in online spaces. In June 2025, activist Albert Omondi Ojwang died in suspicious circumstances in police detention after being held over a social media post, while software developer Rose Njeri was arrested for allegedly breaching the 2018 Misuse of Computer and Cybercrimes Act for designing an online tool enabling people to object to the latest finance bill. Creative arts have also faced censorship with protest-themed art facing bans in public spaces and schools.“ (Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 3)

„Abductions of online critics create a chilling effect

In December 2024 alone, unidentified people abducted at least six online critics in separate incidents. Some victims were allegedly targeted after AI-generated images of Ruto in a coffin circulated online. Authorities abducted Gideon Kibet and his brother Ronny Kiplangat after Gideon posted cartoons critical of Ruto and his government on social media.

On 6 January 2025, five of six missing people, including content creator Bernard Kavuli, student Billy Munyiri Mwangi, Gideon Kibet, Ronny Kiplangat and Peter Muteti, were found alive after being released in different locations under unclear circumstances. However, the sixth person, Steve Mbisi, remains missing. In a CNN [Cable News Network] interview, those who returned stated they did not know who detained them but some have since stopped criticising the government online or gone silent.“ (Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 9)

„BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] documentary screening censored, filmmakers detained

On 28 April 2025, the BBC cancelled a planned screening in Nairobi of its documentary, ‘Blood Parliament’, following government pressure. The programme investigates the killing of three unarmed protesters by security officers outside parliament on 25 June 2024. Using open-source footage and user-generated content from the day, the documentary identifies uniformed officers allegedly responsible for the shootings. A private screening was set to take place followed by a panel discussion featuring activists who appeared in the documentary. The BBC instead streamed the documentary on its YouTube channel, sparking widespread public debate about police brutality.

On 3 May 2025, it was reported that four filmmakers – Brian Adagala, Mark Karubiu, Christopher Wamae and Nicholas Wambugu – had been arrested and detained on charges of false publication in relation to the documentary, even after the BBC confirmed the four had played no role in its making. While they were later released on a free bond, they face charges of publication of false information and cyber harassment, with the state seeking imprisonment of up to 10 years or fines of KES [Kenyan Shilling] 20 million (approx. US$155,800) each.“ (Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 10)

„Blogger brutally tortured and killed over social media post

As state repression continues to expand beyond the streets to target online and social media users, on 8th June 2025, Kenyans woke up to shocking news of the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a digital content creator who shared commentary on political and social issues through X and Facebook. Ojwang had been arrested the afternoon before from his home in Homa Bay County, on orders from the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat, who accused him of ‘tarnishing’ his reputation online, after Ojwang published posts on his X account alleging the DIG’s involvement in corruption.“ (Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 11)

„Standard Media Group threatened and targeted over protest related coverage

Alongside the government’s brutal response to protests, it threatened media outlets. On 25 June 2024, Kenya Television Network (KTN), operated by the Standard Media Group, reported it had received threats from authorities to shut it down because of its detailed live coverage of the protests and police violence. […]

Censorship over protest-themed creative arts in schools

In April 2025, Butere Girls High School was barred from performing ‘Echoes of War’, at the annual Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru County, following a directive from State House. The play focuses on the 2024 protests. Although a court order later directed that the students could stage their play, police officers reportedly assaulted journalists and lobbed teargas as they tried to cover the play.“ (Civicus, 25. Juni 2025, S. 12)

The Conversation ist ein internationales Netzwerk aus Wissenschaftler·innen und Journalist·innen mit Hauptsitz in Australien. 

·      Conversation (The): From advertising blackmail to physical threats, Kenya’s journalists are under attack – but they must also regain public trust, 16. April 2023
https://theconversation.com/from-advertising-blackmail-to-physical-threats-kenyas-journalists-are-under-attack-but-they-must-also-regain-public-trust-203580

„Kenya’s media face threats from both state and non-state actors as repressive practices of the past reemerge. Government and opposition politicians are actively undermining media freedom in the country. This isn’t entirely new. But the threats have taken a new dimension as they are publicly defended – even boldly justified – by some of the perpetrators. These threats are economic, political and physical. […]

Physical assaults. In what seemed like a return to the repressive 1980s during Kenya’s struggle for political pluralism, journalists were physically assaulted by the police and demonstrators in recent mass protests. Incredibly, the inspector general of police described the risk of assault as part of journalism’s ‘occupational hazards’.“ (The Conversation, 16. April 2023)

Das Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) ist ein Komitee von NGOs mit Sitz in den USA zum Schutz von Journalist·innen.

·      CPJ - Committee to Protect Journalists: Spyware installed on Kenyan filmmakers’ phones in police custody, 10. September 2025
https://cpj.org/2025/09/spyware-installed-on-kenyan-filmmakers-phones-in-police-custody/

„The Committee to Protect Journalists is gravely alarmed by the installation of spyware on two Kenyan filmmakers’ phones while the devices were in police custody, and calls on authorities to drop a case against them and two other filmmakers and ensure that journalists are not further targeted for surveillance.

Forensic analysis by internet watchdog Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto found that commercially available FlexiSPY spyware was installed on the two phones on or around May 21, while the devices were in police custody, Citizen Lab senior researcher John Scott-Railton told CPJ.

The phones were seized on May 2, when police arrested documentarians MarkDenver Karubiu and Bryan Adagala, cinematographer Nicholas Wambugu, and graphic designer Christopher Wamae at a studio in the capital, Nairobi, on allegations of publishing false information, their lawyer, Ian Mutiso, told CPJ.

On May 3, the four were released without charge but four phones, a tablet, computers, and storage devices confiscated during the arrest were not returned until July 10, Mutiso said. […]

Police accused the filmmakers of involvement in the production of ‘Blood Parliament,’ a BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] documentary that implicated Kenyan security personnel in the June 2024 killings of protesters.

The BBC said in May that the four ‘were not involved in any way in the making’ of the documentary, a position echoed by Mutiso.“ (CPJ, 10. September 2025)

Democracy in Africa ist laut eigenen Angaben eine ehrenamtliche Organisation, die es sich zum Ziel gesetzt hat, wissenschaftliche Arbeiten zu afrikanischer Politik in verständlichen Formaten zu veröffentlichen und Dialog anzuregen.

·      Democracy in Africa: The War on Youth Activists in Kenya, Juni 2025
https://democracyinafrica.org/the-war-on-youth-activists-in-kenya/

„Partly as a result, there has been a steady escalation in the intimidation of individuals who use digital platforms to engage publicly. As Baraza Media Lab, a Kenyan-based media NGO, recently observed, whether through storytelling, technology, or citizen mobilisation, a red line has now emerged. Crossing it entails serious personal and professional risks, particularly for young activists, most of whom employ digital media for their public engagement activities.

In what may have been a pre-emptive effort to prevent a recurrence of the 2024 protests, four filmmakers – Nicholas Gichuki, Brian Adagala, Mark Karubiu, and Chris Wamae – were arrested on May 2, 2025, and charged for providing footage to a BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] documentary investigating police violence during the June 2024 protests. Though the case has stalled in court, its chilling effect was immediate.

Then, on May 30, Rose Njeri Tunguru was arrested for creating a website that allowed citizens to email MPs [Members of Parliament] about proposed tax changes in the 2025 Finance Bill. She was held overnight without formal charges, and like the filmmakers, had her devices confiscated. […]

These arrests followed public denunciations of critical voices from the President, cabinet ministers, security officials and regime loyalists, targeting a growing wave of youth-led activism that is organised largely through social media. This activism has remained decentralised and leaderless, making it hard to demobilise and co-opt. Within this context, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, No. 5 of 2018 has become the regime’s preferred legal tool. The law’s lack of clear safeguards has cast a shadow over content created in public interest—especially when it challenges authority or mobilises citizens. In effect, the law enables the state to carry out subtle but effective repression through arrests, intimidation, and legally ambiguous enforcement.

On the night of June 7, just days after Ms. Njeri and Mr. Elijah were released, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), a branch of the Kenya Police Service (KPS), arrested Albert Ojwang in the village of Kakoth, near Homa Bay town in Western Kenya. Hours later, he was reportedly found dead at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. Ojwang had been accused of spreading false and malicious information about one of Kenya’s Deputy Inspectors General (DIG), Eliud Kipkoech Lagat.

Investigations by the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) have established that Ojwang died after being severely beaten by four fellow inmates – acting on instructions from Police Constable James Mukhwana, who has since been taken into custody. In a statement to IPOA, Mukhwana claimed he had been ordered to “discipline” Ojwang by his superior, Samson Talaam, the officer commanding the Central Police Station. Talaam’s orders reportedly originated from DIG Lagat himself. According to Mukhwana, the four assailants demanded alcohol before their attack on Ojwang, which he then bought at the police station’s canteen at the cost of KES 2,000 (roughly USD $16). Mukhwana insisted that Ojwang was never meant to die, but only roughed up.“ (Democracy in Africa, Juni 2025)

Die Deutsche Welle (DW) ist der deutsche Auslandsrundfunk. 

·      DW - Deutsche Welle: Kenya rights body alarmed by abductions of Ruto critics, 27. Dezember 2024
https://www.dw.com/en/kenya-rights-body-alarmed-by-abductions-of-ruto-critics/a-71172449

„Social media users who spoke out against President William Ruto's government are the most recent people to go missing, with several groups blaming the police. […]

It comes after three men, Peter Muteti, Billy Mwangi and Bernard Kavuli, all disappeared over the weekend. A fourth person, whose identity has not been disclosed, has also reportedly been abducted in recent days.

Witnesses cited by Citizen TV reported that Muteti was seized by a group of men outside a shop in the Nairobi suburb of Uthiru and bundled into a car, with one of the abductors wearing a police uniform.

Several rights groups, including Amnesty International, have accused the police force of being responsible for the abductions.

However, the police have denied any involvement.“ (DW, 27. Dezember 2024)

·      DW - Deutsche Welle: Why Kenya is cracking down on viral AI-generated content, 10. Februar 2025
https://www.dw.com/en/kenya-ai-generated-social-media-content-free-speech-v2/a-71524279

„Kenya's digital landscape is at a breaking point, as the government clamps down on AI [Artificial Intellligence]-generated content and social media activism, igniting what many have described as a ticking time bomb of online resistance.

In recent months, Kenya has witnessed a series of abductions targeting government critics. Notably, individuals such as cartoonist Gideon Kibet and 24-year-old Billy Mwangi were reportedly abducted after sharing AI-generated images depicting Kenyan President William Ruto in a coffin.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 82 cases of abductions since June 2024, with at least 29 people still missing as of last month.

While some abductees, including Kibet and Mwangi, were released without explanation, Kenyan authorities have denied involvement in the disappearances.“ (DW, 10. Februar 2025)

·      DW - Deutsche Welle: Kenya Gen Z protests see press freedom under fire, 28. Juni 2025
https://www.dw.com/en/kenya-gen-z-protests-see-press-freedom-under-fire/a-73078878

„Journalists and bloggers are also exposed to this risk. In recent months, Mumo has repeatedly heard about cases in which security forces attacked journalists like Catherine Wanjeri, who was hit with rubber bullets during protests in the central city of Nakuru — despite being clearly recognizable as a member of the press. […]

‘Time and time again, [we have seen] evidence of journalists being clearly identifiable and targeted with violence nonetheless. Secondly, even if we were to say these journalists were sort of caught in the crossfire, it means that there was a civilian being targeted,’ she added. ‘That still points to a culture of violence, the culture of impunity.’

Activists also at risk

The situation for press isn't the only one that has deteriorated significantly, said Amnesty's Houghton.

‘The other concern has been how this has begun to shift to individuals who are on social media platforms. And so, you will have somebody with 30,000 or 40,000 followers targeted purely because they made a comment about a powerful person or a project, or they called for a demonstration as it was the case on Wednesday,’ he said. […]

An incident that has reignited the Gen Z protests in recent weeks fits this pattern. Anti-corruption activist and blogger Albert Ojwang died earlier this month in police custody after accusing a senior police officer of corruption on the social network X. An initial press release suggested Ojwang's fatal injuries were self-inflicted. But in the meantime, three police officers are set to stand trial for murder.“ (DW, 28. Juni 2025)

Freedom House ist eine in den USA ansässige Nichtregierungsorganisation, die sich mit Recherchen und Advocacy-Arbeit zu Demokratie, politischen Freiheiten und Menschenrechten befasst.

·      Freedom House: Freedom on the Net 2025 - Kenya, 13. November 2025
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2133572.html

„Internet freedom in Kenya declined significantly during the coverage period. The authorities responded harshly to mass protests by arbitrarily arresting online activists involved in the demonstrations, disrupting internet connectivity, and temporarily blocking some messaging applications. […]

Hundreds of people were arrested in connection with the protests, including digital activists. Authorities reportedly confiscated many detainees’ devices and questioned them about their social media activity and links to the protests and digital activists. Arrests for online activities continued throughout the coverage period. For example, software developer Rose Njeri was detained in May 2025, and her whereabouts were unknown for several days before she eventually appeared in court. The arrest appeared to be connected to an online civic platform she had created, and she faced criminal charges under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act. The law has increasingly been used against journalists, bloggers, and activists (C3). […]

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) documented 82 abductions and disappearances between June and December 2024. Those targeted were generally critics of the authorities, and included online activists. Abductions spiked in December 2024 after AI-generated photos of President William Ruto in a coffin circulated online (C7).“ (Freedom House, 13. November 2025)

Der Menschenrechtsrat der Vereinten Nationen (UN Human Rights Council, HRC) ist ein zwischenstaatliches Gremium innerhalb der Vereinten Nationen, das sich für die Förderung und den Schutz der Menschenrechte weltweit einsetzt.

·      HRC - UN Human Rights Council: Summary of stakeholders’ submissions on Kenya; Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights [A/HRC/WG.6/49/KEN/3], 4. Februar 2025
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2123620/g2501639.pdf 

„Several stakeholders highlighted concerns about threats, intimidation, harassments, surveillance, and assaults on journalists, which had led to some journalists self-censoring their reporting for fear of reprisals. […]

JS5 stated that police had allegedly attacked journalists with impunity under the guise of dispersing protestors. JS37 stated that those media outlets that had been perceived to have been covering the protests, or sympathetic to them, had faced warning and threats of closure or financial penalties.

JS9 stated that reports of the silencing of government critics and dissenting voices, attacks on journalists and human rights defenders and enforced disappearances of protestors were deeply concerning and reflected the lack of implementation of relevant supported recommendations from the previous review.“ (HRC, 4. Februar 2025, S. 5)

Die International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) ist ein internationaler Dachverband nationaler gewerkschaftlicher Journalistenverbände.

·      IFJ – International Federation of Journalists: Kenya: Journalists attacked by police during protest in Nairobi, 27. Juni 2024
https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/article/kenya-journalists-attacked-by-police-during-protest-in-nairobi

„A number of journalists have been attacked and brutalised by the police while covering a nationwide protest in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on 25 June, as the Parliament debated a final bill that will increase taxes. […]

Collins Olunga, a journalist with AFP [Agence France-Presse] in Nairobi, suffered an injury caused by a teargas canister thrown at him by police and was transferred to a hospital. Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) photographer John Omido, was sprayed with water mixed with harmful chemicals, a potent combination that was being used to disperse protesters. Jutus Mwangi from The Standard was rounded up, brutally bundled into a police vehicle and later thrown off the speeding vehicle. Maureen Muthoni from Nation Media Group was injured and arrested. […]

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said that the high-handed nature of the police attacks against journalists who were covering the protest is a deliberate attack on media freedom and a disgraceful attempt to deny Kenyan citizens access to information.“ (IFJ, 27. Juni 2024)

Index on Censorship ist eine in Großbritannien ansässige, internationale gemeinnützige Organisation, die sich für freie Meinungsäußerung einsetzt.

·      Index on Censorship: Kenya: Young reporters and NGOs targeted as part of clampdown on Gen Z protests, 24. Juli 2024
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2024/07/kenya-young-reporters-and-ngos-targeted-as-part-of-clampdown-on-gen-z-protests/

„Kenyan journalist Hanifa Adan faced harassment and attempts to censor her when she covered deadly protests and started fundraising for people injured during the unrest that have left more than 50 people dead in her country. […]

Hanifa, a journalist at Kenya media outlet Eastleigh Voice posted on X on 20 July that she was being targeted by both the government and its enemies who both had an interest in making it look as if she had been harmed by the authorities.

The reporter has been accused by government bloggers of being an economic terrorist and anarchist funded by the United States Ford Foundation. President Ruto had previously accused the foundation of destabilising Kenya but the organisation says it has a strictly non-partisan policy for all of its grant-making and did not fund or sponsor the protests.

Hanifa told Index in an interview via WhatsApp that she was no longer answering her phone because authorities were using that to track the location of targeted critics.

She said she was invited to the State House in a bid to ‘buy’ her but when she did not turn up, the threats started, some delivered by text messages.

‘The government is trying to censor me in every way possible which gets extremely exhausting but I stand relentless and fearless throughout. I have tolerated senseless propaganda and the tapping of my phone. Everyone who is in the limelight in this is being tapped, that’s how they find your location,’ she said. The Nairobi-based journalist claimed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations was abducting people and some were being tortured.“ (Index on Censorship, 24. Juli 2024)

Das International Press Institute (IPI) ist laut Selbstbeschreibung ein weltweites Netzwerk von Redakteur·innen, Medienmanager·innen und führenden Journalist·innen, die sich für einen unabhängigen Qualitätsjournalismus engagieren.

·      IPI – International Press Institute: Kenya: Attacks on journalists covering protests must stop, 27. Juni 2024
https://ipi.media/kenya-attacks-on-journalists-covering-protests-must-stop/

„The IPI global network condemns attacks on journalists in Kenya covering ongoing public protests against tax-rise legislation. Between June 18 and June 25, amid the protests and an ensuing police crackdown, reporters have faced several incidents of physical assault, arrest and detention, and the damaging of equipment by both the security forces and the protestors. […]

IPI has recorded at least a dozen cases of journalists attacked during the protests. Associated Press (AP) journalists Joe Muhia and Iddi Ali Juma were assaulted by the police and detained before being released. Journalist Justus Mwangi Macharia of Standard Group was also arrested and assaulted by the police. Sammy Kimatu and Taifa Leo of the Nation Media Group were reported to have been thrown out of a moving police vehicle. Meanwhile, columnist Gabriel Oguda was reportedly abducted and later found in detention in Kajiado Police Station.

Collins Olunga, a photojournalist for Agence France-Presse (AFP), was assaulted and injured by the police. IPI also learned that KBC videographer John Omido was sprayed with water, and his equipment was damaged by the anti-riot police force. […]

The authorities have also threatened to shut down broadcaster KTN [Kenya Television Network] over its live coverage of the protests.“ (IPI, 27. Juni 2024)

·      IPI – International Press Institute: Kenya: Media blackout, journalist attacks, and contempt of court mar 25 June anniversary protests, 27. Juni 2025
https://ipi.media/kenya-media-blackout-journalist-attacks-anniversary-protests/

„At least five journalists were injured. Ruth Sarmwei, an NTV [Nation Television] journalist, was hit by a rubber bullet while covering the protests in Nakuru County. Citizen TV journalist Ben Kirui escaped serious injuries after the police lobbed teargas towards his crew, hitting his helmet. In yet another incident, David Gichuru of Standard Group was wounded by a stray stone hurled by a protester along Thika Road. Other demonstrators reportedly attacked two other journalists.

In addition, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ordered media houses to cease airing live broadcasts — a directive which IPI strongly condemned.“ (IPI, 27. Juni 2025)

Journal of Democracy ist eine vierteljährlich erscheinende Fachzeitschrift der Johns Hopkins University Press, die wissenschaftliche Analysen und globale Perspektiven zu Demokratie bietet.

·      Journal of Democracy: Why Kenya’s Gen Z Has Taken to the Streets, Juli 2025
https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/online-exclusive/why-kenyas-gen-z-has-taken-to-the-streets/

„As protests moved from the streets, back to digital spaces, the state’s tactics also evolved. In public forums, government officials, perhaps in a bid to delegitimize the Gen Z movement, branded online critics as unruly, ill-mannered children in an attempt to divert attention from the state’s failures to respond to calls for reforms, and instead shift the focus to the supposed moral deficiencies of an entire generation.

Behind the scenes, a chilling wave of state-led abductions began to emerge, targeting young people linked to the protest movement. Activists, bloggers, and digital creators who dared to speak against the government were picked up by hooded or masked plainclothes security agents, often in broad daylight. Many of the detained were held incommunicado for days, without a formal charge or access to legal representation. Upon release, they recounted being tortured and interrogated about their online activities.“ (Journal of Democracy, Juli 2025)

Die Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) ist eine autonome nationale Menschenrechtsinstitution, die Menschenrechtsnormen in Kenia überwacht, Verletzungen untersucht und Wiedergutmachung leistet.

·      KNCHR – Kenya National Commission on Human Rights: Statement on the Recent Surge of Abductions/Enforced Disappearances in Kenya, 27. Dezember 2024
https://www.knchr.org/Articles/ArtMID/2432/ArticleID/1213/Statement-on-the-Recent-Surge-of-AbductionsEnforced-Disappearances-in-Kenya

„The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) continues to monitor with concern the worrying pattern of abductions in several parts of our country. The Commission notes that these abductions are perpetuated clandestinely, with unidentified armed persons. The Commission further notes that those abducted have been vocal dissidents, particularly on social platforms.

There have been thirteen (13) more cases of abductions or enforced disappearances in the last three (3) months bringing to eight-two (82) the total cases since June 2024. Seven (7) of the recent abduction cases were reported in the month of December 2024 with six (6) of them still missing, bringing to twenty-nine (29) the total number of persons still missing since June 2024.“ (KNCHR, 27. Dezember 2024)

·      KNCHR – Kenya National Commission on Human Rights: The State of Human Rights in Kenya, Assessing the Progress Made and Areas of Concern, December 2024-December 2025, 12. Dezember 2025
https://www.knchr.org/Portals/0/KNCHR%20State%20of%20Human%20Rights%20Report%202025%20-%20Dec%202024-Dec%202025%20-%20FINAL_1.pdf

„In 2025, Kenya witnessed a worrying surge in violations against journalists, with the Media Council of Kenya’s 2025 press-freedom review highlighting a pattern of assaults, denial of access, threats, and even temporary shutdowns of media operations; particularly during protests and major state events. Throughout the year, journalists covering demonstrations in places like Majengo, Molo, and Nyeri, as well as national events such as the Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay, were subjected to violence and intimidation from both police officers and hostile groups. Reporters were beaten with batons, manhandled, had their equipment destroyed, or were deliberately prevented from carrying out their work.

Those affected included teams from major outlets such as Standard Media Group, Royal Media Services, KTN [Kenya Television Network] News, Nation Media Group, and Kameme TV, with professionals like Daniel Chege, Steve Okedi, Ephantus Maina, Mable Achieng’, Kamau Mwangi, James Maina and Wahu Ngugi suffering direct attacks. These collective incidents reveal not isolated mishaps but a systemic erosion of press freedom, where journalists reporting on matters of public interest increasingly face violence instead of protection, signalling an urgent need for stronger safeguards to uphold media rights in Kenya.“ (KNCHR, 12. Dezember 2025, S. 20)

Der Media Council of Kenya ist eine kenianische Einrichtung, die laut eigenen Angaben durch das Medienratsgesetz Nr. 20 von 2013 gegründet wurde, um Medienstandards festzulegen.

·      Media Council of Kenya: State of Press Freedom in Kenya, November 2023 to October 2024, 2025
https://mediacouncil.or.ke/sites/default/files/downloads/State%20of%20Press%20Freedom%20in%20Kenya%202025%20%284%29%20%281%29.pdf

„Violations of press freedom were recorded across the country during the reporting period, with the nature of the violations ranging from physical assaults, denial of physical access, verbal and written threats, online harassment/intimidation, abduction, physical intimidation/threats, and arrests, among others. The violations were concentrated in various regions across the country, mainly in Nakuru, Nairobi, Wajir, Migori, Uasin Gishu, Mombasa, Kisii, Kajiado, Turkana, Bungoma, Murang`a, Taita Taveta, Nandi, Kitui, Siaya, Busia, Kitale, Nandi, Baringo, and online.“ (Media Council of Kenya, 2025, S.vii)

„Nature of violation

In this period, journalists reported various incidents; 41% of the reports were assaults from various perpetrators, 16% were denial of physical access to various information sources, 14% were harassment, 10% were threats, 7% were arrests, 4% were intimidation, and another 4% experienced both online harassment and intimidation. Three per cent (3%) were arrested and assaulted, the others were assaulted and denied physical access, threatened and intimidated, politically profiled, and others abducted. […]

Perpetrators of violations

Over the years, press freedom has been violated by various perpetrators. In this period, the police were reportedly the leading perpetrator at 29% of all reported incidents followed by goons at 20%, politicians and county government at 11% each, private security officers at 6% Kenyans on Twitter (X) at 5%, Learning institutions at 4%, county assembly at 3%, Students, National government, Unknown perpetrators at 2%. Other perpetrators were KPA [Kenya Ports Authority] authorities, the court, members of the public known to the journalists, KWS and even journalists against themselves.“ (Media Council of Kenya, 2025, S. 2)

Die Public Media Alliance (PMA) ist ein globaler Verband für öffentlich-rechtliche Medienorganisationen, zu deren Mitgliedern unter anderem BBC, ABC Australia, CBC/Radio-Canada und ZDF gehören.

·      Public Media Alliance: Journalists protest against police brutality during violent nationwide demonstration, 31. Juli 2024
https://www.publicmediaalliance.org/kenya-journalists-protest-against-police-brutality-during-nationwide-violent-demonstration/

„Kenyan journalists have gone on protest against the many attacks against them, as they covered the nationwide outburst that has shaken the country the last five weeks.

Since the start of the demonstrations in opposition to a new tax bill, the Kenyan media have been in the spotlight, as several journalists were assaulted. Among these attacks, the IFJ reported that a journalist from The Standard was rounded up, brutally bundled into a police vehicle and later pushed off the speeding vehicle.

Recently, a local journalist got severely injured by police shots while covering the youth-led protests that turned violent. […]

Additionally, the Kenya Editors’ Guild stated they repeatedly witnessed the authorities attacking journalists by using dangerous chemicals and proceeding to destroy the equipment of press workers. […]

The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) also got caught up in the violence. IPI [International Press Institute] claimed that a KBC videographer ‘was sprayed with water, and his equipment was damaged by the anti-riot police force,’ while a KBC report alleged one of their journalists was ‘roughed up’ while attending an opposition party press conference.“ (Public Media Alliance, 31. Juli 2024)

Das Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (RISJ) an der Universität Oxford widmet sich der Erforschung der Zukunft des Journalismus weltweit durch Debatten, Engagement und Forschung.

·      Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism: Kenya, 17. Juni 2025
https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2025/kenya

„The protests were met with significant pushback from the state. President Ruto described them as ‘treasonous events’ and announced a crackdown on ‘orchestrators and abettors of violence’. Following his statement, journalists covering the demonstrations faced increasing harassment, both online and offline. In one of the most serious incidents, a journalist was shot three times while reporting on protests on 16 July 2024. Several reporters were detained, attacked, or had their equipment destroyed. The state’s response to digital activism has raised alarm over increasing restrictions on free expression.“ (Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, 17. Juni 2025)

Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) (Deutsch: Reporter ohne Grenzen) ist eine in Paris ansässige internationale Nichtregierungsorganisation, die sich mittels Berichterstattung zu Verletzungen der Pressefreiheit für den Schutz der Meinungsfreiheit einsetzt.

·      RSF - Reporters Without Borders: Kenya: RSF calls for accountability as police violently target journalists, 8. August 2024
https://rsf.org/en/kenya-rsf-calls-accountability-police-violently-target-journalists

„Rubber bullets, tear gas, arbitrary arrests, harassing victims... Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has documented seven weeks of police violence and intimidation against the Kenyan journalists covering the anti-government protests that are currently rocking the country. This brutality has been carried out with total impunity, and RSF has referred the matter to the authorities who oversee the Kenyan police.

The images of journalist Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki being shot by a police officer, then laying on the ground with a bloodied leg, leave no doubt about the gratuitous, deliberate nature of the rubber bullets that were fired in her direction. Clearly identifiable by her press jacket, Kariuki – a reporter for Kameme TV, Kenya's first TV station in the country’s vernacular language – was filmed by fellow journalists amid clouds of tear gas during an anti-government protest on 16 July in Nakuru, a city northwest of the capital, Nairobi. […]

Journalist Macharia Gaitho, who has also covered the protests, shares this certainty of having been targeted due to his work. A long-time reporter for the Daily Nation — the country's most widely-read national daily — Gaitho was forcibly taken to the police station in the Karen district of Nairobi after being violently intercepted in his car on 17 July. Videos circulating on social media of Gaitho’s arrest show him being beaten by individuals in plainclothes and forced into an unmarked car. These individuals, who identified themselves as members of the Criminal Investigation Department (DCI), refused to show their identity papers. The journalist was eventually released, and the police announced it was ‘a case of mistaken identity’ on X (formerly Twitter). […]

According to several witnesses, the police harassment continues post-violence. Videos of Kariuki’s admission to the Nakuru PGH [Provincial General Hospital] Annex hospital, filmed by fellow journalists, show three individuals in civilian clothes posing as members of the criminal police and attempting to gain access to the journalist. The group of reports stepped in to stop the police, as they were already aware of this police tactic to collect the evidence of injury and attempt to control any information disseminated on the subject due to press articles on the subject. […]

Despite the growing violence, none of the investigations allegedly carried out by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have come to fruition.“ (RSF, 8. August 2024)

---