Mediamax journalist shot four times honoured for resilience, calls for justice

Catherine Wanjeri is the recent recipient of the 2024 Freedom Warrior Award by the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG).

The award recognizes her resilience after she was shot during the nationwide Gen-Z anti-government protests in July 2024.

Speaking to her in a phone interview, Wanjeri expressed her excitement despite the challenging circumstances she endured to receive this recognition.

“I am honoured and grateful for this recognition by KEG, especially after going through a life-altering and scary experience,” says Wanjeri.

Despite the ordeal, she continues to call for justice, noting that neither the government nor any private institution has taken up her case.

Wanjeri believes that this award is a trigger for anyone who thinks they are going to suppress the freedom of the press.

“This award gives me resilience and reminds me that I am not on my own in the fight for freedom of the press in this country.”

She continues, “This is just the beginning, and I believe and know that I’ll get support from many organizations fighting for press freedom because my win and justice is the justice of all the journalists in this country.”

When asked about her mental and emotional well-being and the future of the same for other journalists, the first-time awardee strongly calls for support from media owners and editors.

“I’m physically at 70 percent and emotionally on a journey. This is, therefore, a call to our employers, to remember that we need the support if you need the stories in your studios,” she calls.

Zubeidah Kananu, the president of KEG, describes Wanjeri as an inspiration to young and female journalists, calling her a hero.

“Being shot at close range, many would have given up or left the industry, but she stood firm. We will not relent in our pursuit of justice. She is a hero, and she deserves it,” Koome says.

Koome encouraged Wanjeri to develop an even thicker skin amidst the adversity faced by journalists and more so, female journalists in the industry.

“We are committed to ensuring that all journalists, including all those harassed and humiliated by the police, get justice. We’ve already presented several petitions to various ministries, all advocating for justice for our journalists. We will hold the perpetrators accountable and work towards compensation for the victims,” she adds.

Wanjeri is a journalist at Kameme TV and Radio, which is part of the MediaMax media house.

She came to the limelight after being violently shot at, in an incident she believes was a targeted attack by the police.

The investigative officers at the time claimed to be handling the matter, but no significant progress has been made since.