By Collins Wanzallah, The Dispatch Digital
The top leadership of the National Police Service (NPS) convened with editors from mainstream media outlets on Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen relations between the police and the press. The meeting was attended by Acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, Deputy Inspector General in charge of Kenya Police, Eliud Lagat, DCI Director Mohamed Amin, Director of Human Capital and Development at the NPS, Rosemary Kuraru, Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei, and NPS Spokesperson Resila Onyango.
During the meeting, Masengeli emphasised the importance of the media and police working closely together as partners in the fight against crime across the country. “Today’s discussion focused on modalities of enhancing police-media relations through collaboration, joint training sessions, and upholding professional ethics,” said Onyango.
In response, the editors urged the police to maintain professionalism and respect the rights of journalists while they are on duty. The request follows reports of several journalists being attacked by police during recent anti-government demonstrations, including an incident where a female journalist was shot with rubber bullets in Nakuru town.