A Nakuru-based lobby group has condemned the Tuesday attack of four Kitale-based journalists allegedly by Tranz-Nzoia County government security guards.
Nakuru Human Rights Network (Nahurinet) director David Kuria on Wednesday called for the prosecution of those involved in the attack.
Speaking from Nakuru Town, he expressed concern over increased incidents of attacks on journalists and urged the government to intervene and end the trend.
“The pattern of ‘targeted violence’ against journalists in the country is worrying. Freedom of the media is on trial and the government must act swiftly to punish those who meted violence on the innocent journalists,” said Kuria.
He added: “The act is unwarranted, unacceptable and barbaric.”
The journalists; Duncan Waswa (Imani TV), Leonard Wamalwa (West FM Radio), David Musundi (Royal Media Services) and Richard Saka (Milele FM) were clobbered by security guards and goons outside the gate of area Governor Patrick Khaemba’s office.
They had been sent to cover a protest where residents were presenting a petition on corruption issues in the county governor’s offices.
Equipment belonging to the journalists including video cameras and recorders were allegedly destroyed and vandalised during the incident in which the reporters suffered a loss estimated to be over Sh1 million.
The incident comes against a backdrop of increased attacks of journalists while on duty.
Kuria wants those involved to be dealt firmly to deter people from infringing the rights of members of the fourth estate.