Media-shy police boss frustrates Nakuru journalists

Crime reporters in Nakuru have lately been having a difficult time verifying their stories, thanks to a high ranking police officer who has made communication difficult.

The officer has been avoiding to comment on any security matter and has instead been referring journalists to his juniors.

However, the juniors are afraid of commenting on the issues their boss has refused to comment on.

The police boss has been claiming not to be aware of the matters.

One of the latest cases where journalists have faced such frustrations is the alleged gun drama involving Lands Chief Administrative Secretary Kimani Ngunjiri and a resident in Bahati over a land dispute.

It was difficult for journalists to verify the report because they could not get a comment from top police officers, who claimed not be in a position to speak on the matter.

The officers at the sub county level claimed their bosses had visited the scene, and they could not break protocol and give a comment because it would be seen as undermining their seniors.

“When my boss visits the scene, protocols demand that he is the one to brief on the issues at hand. Until he gives his briefing, I cannot communicate on the same,” said a senior officer in Bahati.

The said police boss on the other hand, argues that the law allows his juniors at the sub counties to brief the press, adding that he cannot keep tabs on all cases.

“It is not me who is saying that, but the Constitution. I cannot be commenting on everything that happens in the sub counties when there are officers authorised to do so,” said the senior police officer.

A second incident occurred last week where dozens of families at Railways estate were left homeless when their houses were demolished.

Despite all high ranking county officials arriving at the site, none was ready to comment on the matter, only referring journalists to this particular senior officer.

One crime journalist lamented that some sub county police bosses have even declined receiving calls from reporters while those who do, refer them back to the top ranking officer.

“It is frustrating to keep calling the police officers who are not helping. Our editors are piling pressure on us to get their voices or kill the entire story,” said the reporter.