Police assault NTV journalist in Mombasa

NTV JournalistPolice disregard the social distancing directive in the fight against covid-19

Mombasa based NTV Journalist Peter Wainaina was on Friday assaulted by a Police officer while on duty at the Likoni ferry crossing channel causing him serious injuries.

The journalist was on an assignment covering the situation at the Likoni ferry channel as the Covid-19 safety guidelines were being implemented.

Wainaina was hit with a rungu and kicked on the butt despite displaying his press card to the officers who were overwhelmed by the crown waiting to board one of the ferries.

Kenya Correspondents Association Secretary General and Coast Media Welfare Chairperson Maureen Mudi called for urgent action against the security officer.

Kenya Editors Guild President, Churchill Otieno called for firm and resolute action by the Inspector General and the Director of Public Prosecution.

“This is not an officer of the law. He is a criminal. We demand that he is immediately disarmed and prosecuted in a court of law. The public have a right to timely, accurate information hence journalists must be allowed to work. More so at this time when all are united in fighting Covid-19. We expect firm and resolute action by the IG and DPP,” said Otieno.

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Wainaina refuted claims that he provoked the police officer.

“I was actually doing my work and it caught me by surprise in the brutality this policeman netted on me. I did not provoke him, and it was uncalled for,” Wainaina said.

Coast regional police boss Rashid Yakub apologised for the incident terming it unfortunate, and barbaric.

“Let the journalist record a statement at the Central police station in Mombasa, get an Occurrence Book (OB) number so that we can take appropriate action against this officer. We do not condone such incidents, and his actions have no place in the force,” Yakub said.



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Moses Okitae
Moses Okitae Writes about Science stories, food security and human interest stories.

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