Nairobi — The Kenyan police high command must order its anti-riot police to respect the neutrality of journalists, Reporters Without Borders said today after warning shots and tear gas were deliberately fired at foreign reporters covering protests by the opposition Orange Democratic Movement yesterday in Nairobi. The press freedom organisation firmly reminds the authorities that the press must enjoy the same protection as the civilian population, and it hopes yesterday's incident was an isolated case that will not recur.

When around 20 ODM activists unfurled a banner near Uhuru Park in central Nairobi yesterday afternoon, an anti-riot unit fire several warning shots to deter them from approaching. The unit also fired several tear-gas canisters at a nearby group of foreign reporters and one of the canisters hit CNN correspondent Zain Verjee in the back. The journalists then dispersed. Footage of the incident broadcast by CNN showed that the journalists - cameramen, reporters and photographers - were all clearly identifiable.

Reporters Without Borders defends imprisoned journalists and press freedom throughout the world. It has nine national sections (Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland). It has representatives in Bangkok, London, New York, Tokyo and Washington. And it has more than 120 correspondents worldwide.