Nakuru Journalists join colleagues nationwide protests against Police brutality

Nakuru Journalists on Wednesday July 24, 2024 joined their colleagues nationwide in calling on government to respect Press Freedom.

Nakuru Journalists dance outside County Commissioner’s office.PHOTO/PRISTONE MAMBILI.

This coming in line with the call by the President Kenya Editors Guild Zubeda Kananu and Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General Erick Oduor for nationwide Journalists’ Peaceful protests against cases of police brutality.

The hundreds of Nakuru Journalists took to the streets in peaceful protests.

Armed with banners, the Journalists who were joined by Human Rights Defenders marched from Nakuru’s Railway Station to County Commissioner’s office where they presented a petition with demands.

Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara receives a petition from Journalists.PHOTO/PRISTONE MAMBILI.

According to the statement read by Nakuru KUJ representative Kioko Wa Kivandi, the Journalists are demanding that Government respects and protects Press Freedom as enshrined in the constitution of Kenya.

While condemning the recent attacks on media and individuals, the Journalists are demanding for prosecution of all police officers who were involved in the attacks on Journalists.

Noting that Nakuru Journalists Community suffered a major blow after the police shot Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki of Kameme TV and Radio under Mediamax  Ltd, the Journalists called for speedy investigations into the case and ensure the police officer involved is prosecuted.

They also called for cessation of any threats by state agencies on Journalists, and that all pending bills in terms of government advertising be paid.

The Journalists are also demanding that there be no any restrictions to access to public information.

Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara addressing Journalists in Nakuru on July 24, 2024.PHOTO/PRISTONE MAMBILI.

On his part Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara commended the Journalists for holding peaceful demonstrations.

He assured them that the issues raised will be addressed by relevant government agencies.

Touching on the case of Journalist Wanjeri Kariuki, the County Commissioner pointed out that the matter is under Independent Police Oversight Authority.

“We have had good working relationship with Journalists here in Nakuru and I think the case of Wanjeri Kariuki is isolated one. However I can assure you the matter is being handled by IPOA,” he said.

The County Commissioner also warned Kenyans against destroying property during protests.

He noted that the country has made strides and there is no need to destroy such  infrastructure.

Earlier in the day activists who joined Nakuru Journalist in the demos, demanded that Government respects freedom of the Press.

Dominic Kabiru from Kenya National Commission on Human Rights addressing Journalists in Nakuru on July 24, 2024.PHOTO/PRISTONE MAMBILI.

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights’ Assistant Director Public Affairs and Communication Dominic Kabiru noted that harassment of Journalists should be a thing of past.

He lauded Journalists in Nakuru and nationwide for coming together in solidarity with their colleagues who were injured or threatened while in line of duty.

“At this time and era we should not have harassment of media. The media freedom is enshrined in the constitution and should be respected,” he stated.

Sentiments echoed by Martin Lunalo who stated that an attack to the media is an attack to the whole society touching on even the vulnerable such as women, children and PWDs.

According to Lunalo, media is the only voice for the vulnerable hence should be respected.

“An attack to Journalists is an attack to vulnerable such as women and children as well as widows whose only voice is media. Let the government respect freedom of the press,” stated Lunalo.

Sentiments echoed by Abdul Noor and Muraya Wanyambugi who added that the government has no otherwise but to respect Press freedom.

 

 

 

Pristone Mambili
Author: Pristone Mambili

A trained Journalist with passion for Radio and online Writing.

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