Nakuru County Police Commander, Samuel Ndanyi, has assured the public that the police officer responsible for shooting and injuring journalist Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki during anti-government protests will face arrest and charges.
Ndanyi disclosed that the matter has been handed over to the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) for thorough investigation to avoid any conflict of interest.
Speaking at a press briefing held at Nakuru Central Police Station, Ndanyi expressed regret over the incident and emphasized that initial police handling of the case was transferred to IPOA to ensure impartiality and transparency in the investigation process.
Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a reporter for Kameme Radio/TV, sustained three gunshot wounds during the protests, which colleagues condemned as an unjustified attack on the media.
They questioned why a police officer would target a clearly identifiable journalist wearing a press jacket and media credentials.
Currently hospitalized at Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital Annex, Wanjeri underwent surgery to remove three rubber bullets lodged in her thigh.
Ndanyi reiterated the police’s commitment to protect and cooperate with journalists covering protests, promising swift action to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
“I deeply regret the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, and we will move swiftly to ascertain the facts leading to the shooting,” Ndanyi affirmed.
Joseph Openda, chairperson of the Nakuru Journalists’ Association, echoed calls for police to respect the rights of journalists during protests, emphasizing their non-partisan role in reporting.
He urged the police service to implement clear guidelines and provide training on how officers should interact with journalists in such situations.
“There must be unequivocal guidelines and training for police officers on how to engage with journalists,” Openda emphasized.
He further called for a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of aggression against journalists, stressing the importance of upholding press freedom and ensuring a safe working environment for media personnel.
The incident has sparked concern among media circles and the public, prompting calls for accountability and measures to safeguard journalists’ safety during civil unrest.
As investigations continue, stakeholders await the outcomes of IPOA’s probe into the shooting, hopeful for justice and improved relations between law enforcement and the media in Nakuru County.
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