- Wanjeri, a Radio/TV reporter with Media Max was shot three times in the thigh in a blatant attack on the press.
- She was identifiable as she wore a press jacket, had a media tag and a branded microphone.
Image: FILE
The Law Society of Kenya has condemned the recent attacks on media freedom.
In a statement, LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the move violates press freedom.
She condemned the shooting of journalist Catherine Wanjeri in Nakuru and the abduction of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho.
Gaitho was arrested and later released with police apologising saying it was a case of mistaken identity.
"These incidents report serious violations of press freedom, crucial for democracy and enshrined in the Constitution," she said.
"As the Law Society of Kenya, we will continue to monitor developments across the country and offer our support to all those in need. We remain dedicated to our statutory mandate of upholding the constitution, and we urge members of the public to report all incidences to the Law Society of Kenya to enable expeditious intervention."
Odhiambo said they have responded to calls by members of the public who have dutifully brought instances of human rights violations to our attention.
Wanjeri, a Radio/TV reporter with Media Max was shot three times in the thigh.
She was identifiable as she wore a press jacket, had a media tag and a branded microphone.
She was taken to Valley Hospital for first aid and thereafter referred to Rift Valley Provincial Hospital annexe for surgery.
All the three rubber bullets that were lodged in her thigh were removed and medics say she is responding well to treatment.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has also condemned the shooting.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo termed the incident as shameful and terrifying.
"The shooting of Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a journalist attached to Kameme TV, while in the company of other journalists and the police is shameful and terrifying," he said.
The Kenya Editors' Guild also condemned the continued, targeting, and brazen attacks on journalists covering protests.
Journalist in Nakuru on Wednesday held a peaceful protest of the shooting against their colleague.
They gathered at the railway ground before starting their walk through Kenyatta Avenue which is the main street in the busy city.
They stopped briefly at the spot where Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki was shot three times as she covered the anti-government protests on Tuesday.
They then proceeded through to government road, joined Oginga Odinga road to Nakuru central police station where they sought audience with the county police commander, Samuel Ndanyi.