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KEG condemns attacks on journalists covering protests

Editors Guild President Kananu called for a speedy investigation into the attacks on Wanjeri and Fabien.

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by SHARON MWENDE

News17 July 2024 - 07:34
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In Summary


  • KEG  President Zubeidah Kananu noted that the disturbing trend has continued unabated since the beginning of the Gen Z-led protests.
  • KEG noted the shooting and serious harming of Nakuru-based Kameme TV and radio correspondent, Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki while covering anti-government protests in the town on Tuesday.
Kenya Editors' Guild president Zubeidah Kananu during the Philip Ochieng Memorial Lecture 2023 at Daystar University on May 19, 2023.

The Kenya Editors' Guild has condemned the continued, targeted, and brazen attacks on journalists covering protests.

In a statement on Wednesday, KEG  President Zubeidah Kananu noted that the disturbing trend has continued unabated since the beginning of the Gen Z-led protests.

KEG noted the shooting and serious harming of Nakuru-based Kameme TV and radio correspondent, Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki while covering anti-government protests in the town on Tuesday.

Kariuki, who sustained rubber bullet wounds on the leg, is still undergoing treatment.

The doctor at the health facility she was taken to confirmed that she was shot thrice in the thighs.

Witnesses claim the police allegedly shot at the female scribe, yet she was marked with a press card and jacket.

KEG President Kananu further claimed that in Nairobi, police sprayed CNN photojournalist Fabien Muhire as he went about his work in the Central Business District.

"We condemn the harassment of journalists covering the protests. We have, over and over again, witnessed police attack journalists with teargas canisters and dangerous chemicals and the destruction of equipment," Kannau said.

Kananu called for a speedy investigation of the attacks on Kariuki and Fabien to bring the "rogue culprits to justice within the police".

She condemned the reckless use of live ammunition or any harmful projectiles and sprays aimed at journalists and unarmed protesters by security agencies.

Kananu went on to state that Article 37 of the Constitution notes that:

"Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions to public authorities," Kananu said.

"Citizens have a right to picket as the Constitution provides, and we expect law enforcement agents to abide by the law." 

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