The risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya are real, raw, and relentless. With every shutter click, you expose yourself to dangers that lurk within the chaos of the streets. As a photographer, you are both an observer and a potential target, caught between angry demonstrators, ruthless police officers, and unpredictable circumstances.
I remember the first time I covered a protest in Nairobi. The air was thick with teargas, my eyes burned, and my camera lens fogged up from the sting of chemicals. Protesters ran past me, their voices hoarse from chanting. I stood my ground, adjusting my camera settings, my heart pounding like a war drum. In that moment, I realized that the risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya were not just theoretical—they were brutally real.
The Constant Threat of Police Brutality
The risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya are largely shaped by the unpredictable nature of law enforcement. Police officers see cameras as weapons that expose their brutality to the world. Many photographers, including myself, have faced harassment, arrest, and even physical assault while doing our jobs.
One of my colleagues, James, was documenting a peaceful demonstration in Kisumu when he was suddenly surrounded by officers. Without warning, they grabbed his camera, smashed it to the ground, and dragged him away. He spent two nights in a police cell, accused of inciting violence—his only crime was documenting the truth.
Equipment Damage and Loss
The risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya extend beyond personal harm. Your camera gear is constantly at risk of damage or theft. When a protest turns violent, stones, tear gas canisters, and rubber bullets can strike your equipment.
I once lost a Nikon D750 when a police officer deliberately hit me with his baton, making me drop my camera onto the hard asphalt. The body cracked, the lens shattered, and my ability to document the moment was lost in an instant. There was no way to claim damages—just another occupational hazard.
Caught Between Two Sides
As a photographer, you must remain neutral, but in the heat of protests, neutrality does not exist. The risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya include being perceived as biased by either side. Protesters may think you are working for the government; authorities may see you as an agitator. Either way, you are never safe.
During the 2024 anti-tax protests in Nairobi, I was photographing a group of youths who had barricaded a street with burning tires. Suddenly, a group of plainclothes officers stormed in, dispersing the protesters. One of them pointed at me and shouted, “Huyo ni mmoja wao!” (“He’s one of them!”). Within seconds, I was running for my life, my camera swinging against my chest. That day, I learned that even with a press badge, no one is untouchable.
Psychological Toll
The risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya are not just physical—they are emotional. Witnessing violence, suffering, and injustice day after day takes a toll on mental health.
I have photographed families mourning their loved ones, bodies lying in pools of blood, and children crying in fear as tear gas fills the air. The nightmares come uninvited, the memories refuse to fade. Some photographers turn to alcohol, others quit the profession altogether. The burden of documenting history can be overwhelming.
Safety Tips for Photographers Covering Protests
Despite the risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya, many of us continue to do it because storytelling is our calling. If you are venturing into this dangerous yet essential work, here are a few survival tips:
- Dress Appropriately: Wear neutral colors to blend in. Avoid bright or branded clothing that could make you a target.
- Carry Minimal Gear: A small, discreet camera setup reduces your chances of being noticed or robbed.
- Stay Mobile: Always have an escape plan. Know your exit routes and avoid being cornered.
- Build Contacts: Connect with fellow photographers, journalists, and activists who can alert you to dangers.
- Protect Your Work: Back up your photos immediately. Authorities have been known to confiscate or delete footage.
- Invest in Safety Gear: Gas masks, helmets, and protective vests can be lifesaving.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with Kenyan media laws to defend yourself if confronted by authorities.
Why We Keep Going
Despite the risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya, we press on. We do it for truth, for justice, for the people whose voices would otherwise be silenced. Every powerful image we capture is a testament to resilience, a weapon against oppression.
Even as the threats loom large, we hold our cameras like shields, ready to document history as it unfolds. Because if we don’t, who will?