A journalist and her crew from TV47 were teargassed on Wednesday June 25, 2025 while covering the ongoing protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), raising serious concerns about press freedom and police conduct during demonstrations.

This was after Kenyans flooded the streets on Wednesday to mark the one-year anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-government protests, which ended with the storming of Parliament and deaths of several demonstrators.

In a video captured by TV47, reporter Sheilah Chelangat is seen delivering a live update from Kenyatta Avenue. She was detailing the state of the city, the business shutdowns, and the running battles between police and demonstrators — when tear gas canisters were suddenly fired near her position.

As Sheilah described how residents were engaged in a cat-and-mouse game with law enforcement officers, a loud bang interrupted her report. Teargas smoke is seen filling the area, forcing the crew to abruptly stop the broadcast and retreat for safety.

The attack occurred as residents attempted to access the Central Police Station, a move that appeared to provoke a swift response from security forces. Although no injuries have been reported from the incident, the footage has sparked outrage among the media and the public.

The June 25 protests have reignited debate over police brutality, accountability, and freedom of expression.

Despite the heavy police presence and use of force, demonstrators across major cities have remained defiant—holding placards, singing protest songs, and demanding justice for those killed in last year’s unrest.