Journalists were attacked and assaulted by police officers at Kirobon High School in Rongai Sub-County on the night of Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
In a statement on April 9, the Nakuru Journalists Association (NJA) strongly condemned the use of tear gas on journalists who were covering an attempted arrest of former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
Malala is the scriptwriter of the controversial play Echoes of War, set to be staged on Thursday, April 10, at the 63rd National Drama Festivals at Lions Primary School, Nakuru.
The Association said police lobbed tear gas canisters directly at journalists, fully aware of their identity and role during the chaos.
“This reckless action endangered lives and was a clear attempt to intimidate the press,” NJA said.
Among those affected were Maryanne Nyambura of Citizen TV, Peter Kimani of KTN, Robert Maina of Inooro TV and Radio, Joseph Kipsang (whose camera was damaged during the incident), Kennedy Gachuhi of Standard Group, and Evans Asiba of Citizen TV.
NJA criticized the police officers, stating that the journalists were lawfully performing their duties.
The Association stated that the police’s actions are unacceptable, unlawful, and a direct attack on press freedom.
Besides, the Association said that was not the first time its members have been targeted by law enforcement officers while discharging their duties.
It warned that such continued harassment is a dangerous trend and poses a serious threat to the freedom of expression and the right of the media to report without fear or intimidation.
Also Read: Cleophas Malala Arrested
Murkomen & IPOA to Investigate Attack of Journalists
NJA demanded the Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen and Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct investigations on the attack and discipline the officers.
“We demand an immediate investigation on the relevant authorities, including the IPOA and the Interior Ministry, to take appropriate disciplinary action against the officers involved,” NJA said.
Further, the Association emphasized that the media plays a vital role in a democratic society, and any attempts to silence or intimidate journalists must be met with firm resistance and accountability.
Also Read: 6 Kenyan Journalists Who Have Joined Govt Since Ruto Became President
Police Using Live Bullets
Citizen TV journalist Maryanne Nyambura said journalists were assaulted by police who lobbed tear gas and even used live bullets.
Nyambura said she the police assaulted her while she was trying to go cover the incident live.
She confirmed that she was attacked alongside his colleagues Peter Kimani and Robert Maina.
Additionally, Nyambura said the residents were questioning who the police were targeting with the live bullets at night.
“We have already left the scene where all the drama played out, but at the moment, what we have collected on the road is this live bullet. What the residents are asking is why police officers would use live bullets at night and who they were targeting,” she said.
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