Assaulted and Ignored: Journalists still waiting for justice

Over a week has passed since a group of journalists was attacked by police officers in Nakuru, yet no action has been taken against those responsible.

Despite a public outcry and assurances from authorities, the silence remains loud, leaving many to question the sincerity of the promised investigations.

The journalists had gathered outside Kirobon Girls High School on the evening of April 8 to report on the unfolding events involving former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.

He had arrived at the school for final rehearsals of a play he had written, Echoes of War, which was to be performed in the National Drama and Film Festival after the High Court lifted an earlier ban.

Police had blocked him from entering the premises and later prevented him from leaving.

Around 7:40 pm, more than 15 journalists arrived to report on the situation. They began preparing for live broadcasts and conducting interviews.

At least 20 officers, led by Njoro police boss David Apima, regrouped at the site.

One officer claimed the journalists were interfering with a sensitive operation and ordered them to leave.

Moments later, the officers approached Malala’s vehicle.

Shortly after that, they turned on the journalists, despite them being clearly identifiable as members of the press.

Tear gas was thrown into the crowd, and several journalists were injured. Six of them were physically assaulted.

Evans Asiba and Robert Maina, both Royal Media cameramen, were beaten.

Mary Anne Nyambura was struck by a tear gas canister. Standard Group journalists Carolyne Chebet, Peter Kimani, and Kennedy Gachuhi were also hurt.

"They saw the cameras. They knew who we were. They targeted us deliberately. We weren’t obstructing anything - we were just doing our job," said Nyambura, who is still recovering emotionally.

A statement from the National Police Service, through spokesperson Nyaga Muchiri, described the incident as “unfortunate” and said any officer found to have acted wrongly would be dealt with.

Some journalists reported to the IPOA offices in Nakuru to give statements.

However, many chose not to, citing slow progress in previous cases. Only Nyambura filed a statement.

Maina, who was assaulted, refused.

"One of the officers slapped me twice. But I didn’t record a statement because I have no faith in IPOA. We’re tired of being statistics," he said.

Commissioner Isaac Omare said a team had been sent from Nairobi to probe the matter.

Nakuru Journalists Association chairman Joseph Openda confirmed that some reporters eventually agreed to give statements after fresh assurances were given.

For the injured and the unheard, hope for justice now rests on those assurances being kept.