Nakuru journalists present list of demands to county police commander
Nakuru Journalists Association Chairperson, Joseph Openda hands over a letter of demands to the county police commander Samuel Ndanyi following the shooting of Mediamax reporter Catherine Wanjeri on July 17, 2024.
Media Max Journalist Catherine Wanjeri, who was shot three times on her leg while covering anti-government protest in Nakuru, is on her third day in hospital undergoing treatment.
Nakuru Journalists Association Chairperson, Joseph Openda, who was able to check on her in hospital, tells Mtaa Wangu that Ms. Wanjeri is currently at a stable condition under doctor's observation .
“Doctors at Nakuru PGH Annex, say the theatre procedure to remove the rubber bullets logged into Ms Wanjeri’s leg was successful. She is currently being monitored in hospital as she recuperates from the injuries,” says Openda.
On the other hand, Nakuru journalists who were infuriated by the heinous act extended to their colleague by police took to the streets of Nakuru on Wednesday, marching from Railways through Kenyatta Avenue to Central police station to seek audience with the County Police Commander, Samuel Ndanyi.
Nakuru journalists seek audience with County police commander Samuel Ndanyi following shooting of Mediamax reporter Catherine Wanjeri on July 17, 2024.
Here, the journalist through their representative organization put out several demands to the Police boss including; the arrest and prosecution of the officer Involved in the shooting of Ms. Wanjeri, assurance of Journalists' Safety while in their line of duty and an end to targeting of Journalists during demonstrations.
“We request that your office: Reiterate to all officers the importance of respecting the rights of journalists during such events. Secondly, the Implementation of a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of aggression against journalists. Provide clear identification and protection for journalists during demonstrations to avoid any misunderstandings or targeted violence.……. Failure to produce the culprit will leave us with no option but to camp at your office until justice is served,” reads part of the letter handed to the county police commander.
Supporting the scribes, Lawyer Bernard Kipkoech, asked police to arrest the police responsible in shooting Ms. Wanjeri in three days and have them presented for prosecution, contrary to which they will apply the power within their bounds of private prosecution.
Wakili Bernard Kipkoech addresses journalists at Central Police station on July 17, 2024.
Responding to the grievances presented by journalists and other bodies, Mr. Ndanyi noted that as the police boss he was sorry on events that took place on Tuesday.
Additionally, he said he had already written to the Independent Police Oversite Authority (IPOA) to have them take over investigations on the said shooting incident.
Mtaa Wangu can confirm that at around 3 pm, officers from IPOA were present at Nakuru PGH Annex where they engaged several journalists who were close to Ms. Wanjeri when the incident happened, and recorded their statements.