NPS issues disciplinary warning to officers over harassment of journalists at Nakuru festival
The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a disciplinary warning to its officers, following the circulation of reports that officers were involved in the harassment of journalists during coverage of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru, terming any such conduct as unprofessional and unacceptable.
In a statement released on Thursday, April 10, 2025, NPS said it had taken note of widespread reports circulating on both social and mainstream media platforms, which accused police officers of interfering with journalists who were lawfully executing their duties during the festival.
The service acknowledged that any form of obstruction, intimidation, or harassment of journalists not only constitutes a breach of professional standards but also amounts to a criminal offense under the Constitution and the Media Council Act of 2013.
“The National Police Service recognises that attacks on journalists are criminal acts that violate the rights and privileges afforded to them under the Constitution and the Media Council Act, 2013. Any unprofessional conduct by police officers, including obstruction, intimidation, harassment, or interference with journalists performing their duties, will not be tolerated,” NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said.
According to the service, the incident in question is currently under investigation, with assurance that appropriate and decisive measures will be taken should any officer be found to have acted contrary to the service’s code of conduct.
While describing the occurrence as isolated and unfortunate, NPS reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a professional relationship with the media and underscored the importance of constructive engagement between the police and journalists.
“The National Police Service remains committed to maintaining a cordial relationship with the media and reaffirms its dedication to strengthening this partnership while exploring collaborative opportunities with the media fraternity,” the statement added.
The service concluded by reiterating its constitutional duty to safeguard the rights and freedoms of all Kenyans, including those of media practitioners.
“We reiterate our commitment to serving and protecting all persons in Kenya, including members of the press.”
The said harassment erupted on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, and continued into Thursday, April 10, 2025, following attempts by members of the press to cover a controversial play by Butere Girls’ High School—previously banned due to its piercing critique of the government.
For much of Wednesday evening, journalists endured a distressing ordeal as officers persistently lobbed tear gas canisters at them, barring access to the halls of the Melvin Jone Lions School in Nakuru, where the students were scheduled to rehearse the production.
Some members of the media were tear-gassed while broadcasting live on national television, while others were unjustly denied entry to the school grounds—a development that has since attracted widespread public condemnation.
The unfolding chaos can be traced back to a legal twist when the director of the contested play, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, secured a court order overturning a prior ban that had barred the production—ranked third in the Western Region Drama Festivals—from advancing to the national stage.
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In the wake of the ruling, security was visibly heightened at the Melvin Jone Lions School, and Malala himself was subsequently barred from entering the premises. He later revealed that he had been arrested.
Speaking after his release on Thursday, April 10, 2025, Malala recounted a harrowing episode in which he was detained for nearly 12 hours without being presented with formal charges.
“Yesterday, I was arrested by almost fifty police officers. I was taken round to unknown places and later detained at Eldama Ravine Police Station for almost 12 hours, and they have not referred any charges against me, and I was released unconditionally,” Malala narrated.
He decried the arrest as a violation of fundamental freedoms, terming the experience unjust and deeply unfortunate.
Despite the ordeal, Malala expressed both gratitude and renewed determination, drawing inspiration from the young performers at Butere Girls’ High School.
“I want to say this is quite an unfortunate incident that infringes on our rights; today I walk out of these gates of the Eldama Ravine Police Station a very encouraged person because of the acts that have been displayed by the young girls of Butere Girls,” he said.
“They have exercised an act of heroic restoration. They are young girls who have shown the world that we are ready to change this country. I want to celebrate them. I want to say that whatever action is taken, I am determined to ensure that Echoes of War is performed before the Kenyan audience,” he added.
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