Leaders in Kitui continued to unite to condemn last week’s attack of Star journalist Musembi Nzengu and Radio Mbaitu FM’s Mercy Mueni by police in Kitui West.
Mwingi North MP Paul Musyimi said the incident was shocking and disgraceful to the police force whose mandate is to protect lives and property of citizens.
Musyimi called on the county police commander Leah Kithei to ensure the matter is investigated with speed and all the culprits brought to book.
“What happened at Mutonguni Secondary School grounds recently where police assaulted journalists is bad and a shameful act. I appeal to county police commander to execute the arrest and prosecution of any police officer implicated in the crime,” the MP said.
Musyimi’s call comes barely two days after Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua condemned what he termed as police brutality on the journalists while they were on duty.
Wambua, a former editor at the Standard Media Group, called on the relevant authorities and the police commander to take appropriate legal and administrative action against the rogue officers who attacked Musembi and Mueni and threatened other journalists who were present.
The Kenya Correspondents Association Lower Eastern also condemned the incident. The association’s regional chairman Daniel Kituku said his office stands behind the attacked journalists and will pursue justice.
Musembi said he was strangled, slapped pinned to the ground and kicked by armed police officers led by the deputy OCS. Mueni said her finger was sprained as police yanked her cell phone away.
On Monday, Kitui West Subcounty police boss Henry Wesonga invited the assaulted journalists to his office at Ndollos Corner police station where he apologised to them.
He termed the incident as regrettable and instructed the criminal investigation department to commence investigations immediately.
Musembi, Mueni and other journalists were scheduled to record their statements with DCI officers at Matinyani police station on Tuesday.
