Journalists in Kiambu County have called for the arrest and prosecution of police officers allegedly involved in the shooting of their colleague during recent protests in Nakuru.
On Wednesday, reporters staged a peaceful demonstration in Kiambu Town, condemning the attack on their colleague while he was performing his duties. “We demand that the officer or officers involved be arrested and prosecuted for attempted murder,” stated Jemimah Nyambura, a reporter for Coro FM.
The protests were sparked by the shooting of Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a Nakuru-based journalist with Mediamax, who was allegedly shot twice in the thigh while covering anti-government demonstrations. Nyambura highlighted that Ms. Wanjeri was wearing a Media Council of Kenya (MCK) press jacket, raising concerns about the intent behind the shooting.
Charles Gikunga, a reporter with Royal Media Services, emphasized the need for media organizations, including the Media Council of Kenya and the Kenya Union of Journalists, to advocate for justice rather than simply issue statements. “We want action taken against those responsible for violence against journalists,” he urged.
The journalists insisted that the focus should not be on transferring the officer involved but rather on ensuring his arrest and prosecution. They also pointed out that Ms. Wanjeri’s case is not isolated, noting a troubling trend of police aggression toward journalists on duty.
They called on the Independent Police Oversight Authority to act swiftly to address this issue and urged media organizations globally to unite in demanding justice for all journalists who face violence, arrest, or restrictions in carrying out their work.
“The Kenyan government must ensure the safety of journalists in accordance with constitutional and international obligations,” their statement concluded.
