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Senators want the national security apparatus to protect journalists and allow them access information in the course of their duty at the county and national level.

This is after Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei sought a statement from the Committee on National Security and Foreign Affairs regarding the safety, security and freedom of journalists after some were assaulted in the county last week.

Lawmaker told the House that on February 20, several journalists from Standard Media, Waldai FM, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, Emoo FM, Kenya News Agency, Kass Media, Royal Media, Taach FM, Nation Media and TV47 were assaulted in Bomet town.

According to Sigei, the aggressors issued threatened the journalists for what they termed as “unwanted coverage of demonstrations against the county government with the journalists fearing for their safety and security lodged a report at the Bomet Police Station.

Consequently, Sigei sought a comprehensive report on the progress of investigations into the matter, adding that there is a need for an in-depth analysis on the measures taken by the relevant security personnel within Bomet to ensure such unfortunate events are not witnessed again.

“I am also seeking for a holistic assessment regarding actions taken by the Media Council of Kenya in protecting and promoting the freedom and independence of the media, specifically the assaulted journalists in Bomet,” said Sigei.

The statement irked Senators Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Samson Cherargei (Nandi), Kathuri Murungi (Meru), Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga), Tabitha Keroche (Nakuru) and Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo) who called on the county chiefs to stop intimidation of the scribes.