A Kenya journalist who was shot by the police on July 16 during anti-government protests has revealed that she is receiving threats from unidentified people. Police shot at K24 journalist Catherine Wanjeri Kairuki in Nakuru County when Gen Zs took to the streets.
A police officer shot Wanjeri, an employee of MediaMax Ltd, four times, with three rubber bullets lodging in her body, one causing a serious injury.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the shooting, but the officer involved has yet to be identified.
Speaking on Monday, September 2, Wanjeri shared that she has been receiving threatening messages and calls, which she believes are related to the ongoing investigation into her shooting.
“They want me to drop the case, but with the support I’ve received, I would let many people down if I did,” she said. “This case carries significant weight.”
Wanjeri expressed fear for her life and that of her family, noting that those making the threats seem determined to stop her from pursuing the case.
“I’m worried, especially as a woman living alone. If a man calls me, I’m too afraid to leave the house,” she said. “And I worry about my family too. If these individuals find out where they are, won’t they go after them? It’s terrifying.”
Catherine Wanjeri Speaks of Dropping the Case
The ongoing threats have led Wanjeri to consider dropping the case. However, she acknowledged the strong support she has received from the Nakuru Journalists Association, which has been backing her throughout the ordeal.
“I’ve been contemplating dropping this case so they will stop harassing me, but the support I’ve received from the Nakuru Journalists Association has been significant. They continued pushing the case even when I was in the hospital, giving me enough time to recover,” Wanjeri said.
Wanjeri confirmed that she has recorded a statement regarding the threats, which has already been handed over to an investigating officer.
Also Read: IPOA Apologizes to Journalist Shot; Gives Way Forward on Investigation
Police Statement
She also expressed gratitude to the police officers for their cooperation in the latest developments related to her shooting incident.
“The lady police officer received me well, and I recorded my statement smoothly without any resistance. I wrote the OB, and she asked me to wait so the case can be handed over to an investigating officer,” Wanjeri said.
Also Read: IPOA Goes to Court to Call for Arrest of Police Commanders
Journalists Condemn Shooting
The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), Women Press Freedom, and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) condemned the incident and urged IPOA to expedite the investigation.
On July 17, journalists across the country protested the shooting of Wanjeri and the harassment of other journalists
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
