A journalist was on Thursday arrested for taking photos of First Lady Margaret Kenyatta during the launch of the 44th Beyond Zero Campaign mobile clinic in Tana River County.
Alphonce Gari, a Malindi-based photojournalist who works for the Star Newspaper, was carrying out his official duties when a civilian police arrested him after he was spotted taking pictures of the first lady.
“I pleaded with the civilian officer to leave me alone as I was doing my job,” said Gari, as quoted by the Star.
Other journalists who had attended the function left the stadium in solidarity of their colleague, to demand for his release.
Gari was released through the intervention of county officials.
This is not the first time a journalist has been arrested while undertaking their official duties.
In August 2015, two journalists, Frankline Bwire of Radio Citizen and John Mondoh of Radio Maisha were allegedly assaulted by Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong’s security officers.
The move has been condemned by civil rights societies as well as journalists.
Gari, however, managed to take the photos which were later published.