Nation Media Group journalist Abraham Gatheca who was injured in the skirmishes
The media fraternity in Kiambu County condemns the dastardly and cowardly attack on colleagues by goons while covering a public meeting in Limuru town in the strongest terms possible.
The three journalists from Mediamax Network Ltd, Standard Group and Nation Media were discharging their noble duty when the hirelings descended on them and splashed them with smelly sewage sludge and used oil on Thursday as they covered a meeting convened by traders in Limuru town to protest the Kiambu County government’s business levies.
Paul Njau (Kameme TV/Milele FM), Chege Kimaku (KTN) and Abraham Gatheca (NTV) were confronted by a gang that damaged their tools of work and beat them up, leaving the scribes with various injuries.
The attackers are said to have sprinkled used engine oil mixed with stinking sewage on the attendees alongside the neighbouring buildings and even moving vehicles.
During the meeting, county government officials are reported to have had a rough time trying to calm the situation that saw them denied an opportunity to address participants.
The journalists later reported the incident at the Limuru police station where they also recorded statements regarding the attack in which their equipment was also stolen.
We stand in solidarity with our colleagues whose only crime was to highlight the concerns raised by traders and locals over the increased trade license fees.
Coming at a time when the country is gearing towards the electioneering period in the run-up to the 2027 elections, the attack sends an ominous message that politicians may use thugs or gangs to silence the media in instances that they may be perceived to cover their opponents.
Whereas there is no evidence that the Governor’s office may have been involved in the unfortunate events, there is every reason to believe that some of his supporters or officials may have been behind it.
It does not require rocket science to know that individuals within the county government would be uncomfortable with negative publicity against the establishment, hence the sad developments in Limuru.
Even as we wait for security organs to delve into the matter and carry thorough investigations and bring the culprits to book after the matter was reported at the Limuru police station, we want to sound a warning to politicians to respect the freedom of the press as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya.
We also call on the security organs to act without bias and ensure journalists discharge their duties without intimidation from any quarters whatsoever, whether political or otherwise.
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