The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today has strongly condemned the assaults against two media workers in Kenya.

According to local media and independent sources, Dennis Okeyo, photographer from Nation Media Group, and John Otanga, cameraman from channel NTV were targeted by security officers on Sunday 21 January during the course of their professional duties. They were covering riots in the district of Karanja in Kibera at the outskirts of Nairobi the capital city.

"We call on authorities to investigate the case and bring the perpetrators to book. Journalists should be able to conduct their professional duties without risking reprisals from security forces. We also call on journalists to remain steadfast in the run-up to the general elections by providing independent and informed reporting," said Gabriel Baglo, IFJ Africa Director.

Independent sources reported that on the night of Sunday 21 January, Dennis Okeyo and John Otanga were covering the riots in Karanja where youths were protesting against the candidacy for the parliamentary election of local political leaders. Upon their arrival the police was already ordering people to raise their hands in the air. Despite their attempt to follow police orders by showing their press cards, they were beaten, their electronic equipment confiscated and an amount of money taken from Okeyo. They were both taken to hospital for medical treatment.