The National Authority for Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced that the club bouncers who harassed journalists on Friday at a popular night club in Nairobi have been arrested.
In a statement on Saturday, the authority confirmed that the two were set for appearance in court to face criminal charges relating to the assault on the journalists.
NACADA condemned the assault against the group of journalists who went to cover a crackdown on shisha vending and smoking at Kettle House in Nairobi City.
“Because of this, criminal charges against the offenders have commenced and they will be arraigned in court to answer to various charges related to the assault, read a statement by NACADA on Saturday, January 6.
NACADA further condemned the violence and destruction of property by the security officers.
Besides, the Authority explained that journalists and police officers are legally mandated to execute their assignment without threats, intimidation, violence, or any form of coercion.
According to the statement, some journalists were injured in the melee that ensued at the and had to be hospitalized for treatment.
In addition, NACADA said that some of the equipment belonging to the journalist were confiscated in the unexpected turn of events for them.
“In an unfortunate and unprecedented turn of events, the security team at the club resorted to violence and in the process seriously injured journalists and police officers conducting the operation, “added the statement.
NACADA applauded the media as it continues to support the campaign against alcohol and drug abuse in the country.
NACADA Crackdown Success
The Authority said the operation was successful with 30 shisha bongs confiscated and 21 people including the club Manager arrested.
“The Authority takes great exception to the violent nature of the response to the crackdown on illegal shisha activities in the country and reminds the public that attacks on members of the press, security officers, and other authorized personnel carrying out their duties are punishable by law,” read the statement in parts.
Also Read: Nairobi MCAs Overrule Sakaja Ban on Night Clubs
Additionally, NACADA observed that such operations are a clear manifestation that strategies being implemented by relevant Government bodies are bearing fruit.
The public was told to expect heightened engagement and collaborations which will add to the ongoing crackdowns.
Also, it called on all stakeholders to bolster the government’s initiative to bring all criminal enterprises in entertainment premises to book.
Also Read: City Hall Stops Decision to Revoke Licenses of 43 Night Clubs
Injured Journalists
Three journalists drawn from different media houses sustained injuries and were admitted at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi.
Among them include Boniface Bogita of Nation who was stabbed twice in the ribs, Jane Kibira of KBC who was stabbed in the back and Standard Group’s Boniface Okende who was wounded by the bouncers.
