Journalists in Meru County have expressed their displeasure following an incident where their colleagues were attacked and their equipment destroyed last Sunday while covering a function presided over by the County Governor Kawira Mwangaza in Maua town.
The event, which is commonly known as ‘Okolea Program’, was reportedly organised by Baite Family Fellowship Church, where the governor is the shop.
Led by Meru Press Club Chairman Mr. David Muchui, the members of the fourth estate said it was a surprise to them since their expectations were that any event held by a church should be a peaceful one.
“Journalists had attended the event for coverage as usual and when they arrived, there was an order from some of the organisers that the event should only be covered by Baite TV, which is linked to the Governor. The rest were ordered to leave the area immediately,” said Muchui.
It was after the order that the said journalists were roughed up with their cameras confiscated, only to be returned later, with some of them destroyed and others having no memory cards.
Muchui condemned the unfortunate turn of events, adding that this was not okay because a governor is a state officer and a public figure and despite the fact that she is a bishop, when she holds any public meeting, journalists should not be barred from coverage.
He said this was the second time such an incident had happened in a similar event after another one took place about two months ago at Mujwa in Imenti South.
“It is unfortunate that no action has ever been taken against those who were behind the attacks, including a county employee who was positively identified by the journalists who were attacked,” said Muchui.
He added that it was not possible to separate the Okolea programme from a county government function considering that in both, county government officers were engaged.
“We want to categorically say that we will not be intimidated and we will continue to highlight what the governor is doing within the county,” said Muchui.
He called on the Media Council of Kenya, police, and other investigating agencies to carry out thorough investigations and apprehend those who were involved in the unfortunate action.
He said if the governor or the organisers of the event had any complaints against the media or specific journalists, there was a set procedure to raise them with the relevant authorities.
By Dickson Mwiti
