- Days after she was shot, journalist Wanjeri claimed she was targeted.
- Njeri said she had been hit with a teargas canister earlier before being shot at.
Image: FILE
Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) to investigate the shooting of journalist Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki
Njeri, a journalist at Kameme FM and TV was allegedly shot by police on July 16, 2024, while covering the anti-government protests in Nakuru.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DPP called on Kenyans with any information regarding the conduct of police during protests to record statements.
"Further, I have directed Ipoa to investigate the shooting of Catherine Njeri Wariuki, a Kameme FM and TV reporter, which allegedly occurred within Nakuru County on July 16, 2024," Ingonga said.
The DPP said that statements from witnesses and Kenyans will help him hold suspects to account.
He further called on Kenyans to avoid spreading fake information on social media.
"I urge members of the public to avoid disinformation and misinformation through re-tweets and re-posts of unverified information and data for this only creates unnecessary tension and causes fear amongst victims and witnesses," Ingonga said.
The DPP said that spreading fake information may also prejudice the right to a fair trial.
"My office reiterates our commitment to work tirelessly around the clock alongside line Government Agencies, the Media and Civil Society in ensuring the integrity of the Criminal Justice System and the safety of witnesses as we strive to uphold due process," he said.
Days after she was shot, journalist Wanjeri claimed she was targeted.
The scribe said she had been hit with a teargas canister earlier before being shot.
"Nobody would convince me that I was not a target because it is not the first time I had been targeted. A teargas canister had hit me, but I did not report the matter, I did not escalate the matter," she said.
Wanjeri said she had shown her colleagues the scar, which is in the same leg she was shot.
She said she had left her home at around 1:30 pm to cover the protests, with expectations that she would do her work and return home safely.
"Little did I know that I would end up in a hospital with stitches on my thigh," she said.
Wanjeri was shot four times with three bullets lodged in her thigh.
The rubber bullets have since been removed and the doctors say she is out of the woods.
Journalists have since vowed to hold protests on Wednesday to condemn the alleged recent attacks on the media.