Masese Kemunche from CEDGG, David Kuria Western from Nahurinet and Nakuru Journalism community at the Bondeni Police station where one of the journalists recorded a statement over threats he had received from a police officer for airing a story touching on a senior police officer at the station. [Photo/Pristone Mambili]
Nakuru journalists have vowed not to relent in ensuring justice for one of their own who was allegedly threatened by a police officer.
David Omurunga who works for a local religious radio station in Nakuru is said to have faced the threats through his wife from a person she identified as a police officer.
Omurunga together with his wife recorded statement at the Bondeni Police station.
“The police officer whom I know as Mr. Kimotho came to the place where we live and demanded to know whether my husband was home. When I told the officer that my husband was yet to get home he left a message with me to tell him we’ll act a movie with him. And we’ll see who emerges the winner,” the police officer had threatened.
Omurunga says this might have much to do with a story he aired concerning the brutal manner in which a senior officer handled an innocent youth from Bondeni Estate in Nakuru.
Speaking on Monday afternoon at Bondeni police Station in Nakuru, the irate journalists said it was wrong for anyone to be threatened.
“We are here in solidarity with our own David Omurunga who was threatened by a police officer. We have reported the matter and recorded a statement and we hope the investigations will go on and the officer was taken to task” said Kioko wa Kivandi.
Paul Masese Kemunche from Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance-CEDGG while condemning the incident called on the police to investigate the matter with speed.
He said appropriate action should be taken against all officers involved.
“We are sure the threats upon the journalist are as a result of the torture story he ran and as human rights defenders, we expect the police to act and take appropriate action against the accused police officer who was sent by the perpetrator who happens to be the OCS himself,” said Masese
His sentiments were echoed by David Kuria Western from Nakuru Human Rights Network NAHURINET who stated that he will follow up the matter.
Midrift Human Rights Network which works closely with police stations in ensuring community policing was also represented by CEO Mr. Joseph Omondi.
Is there a newsworthy accident, incident or event happening in Nakuru County that you want Hivisasa to cover? Tell us what is happening by Joining this group, and have it published.* https://chat.whatsapp.com/95YujjHI4FEB8l93eMQTdN