In a letter dated November 1, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Nicholas Mutuku has asked the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet to ensure that those involved are apprehended and charged/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 1 – The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed the Inspector General of Police to immediately commence investigations into the assault of journalists at a National Super Alliance (NASA) event.
In a letter dated November 1, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Nicholas Mutuku has asked the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet to ensure that those involved are apprehended and charged.
“I am directed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, to direct you to immediately and urgently commence thorough investigations into the incident and ensure those found culpable and /or responsible are arrested and arraigned before court under the relevant provisions of the Penal Code,” stated Mutuku in the letter.
Francis Gachuri of Citizen TV and NTV’s Jane Gatwiri were roughed up by NASA supporters while they were covering an event at the Wiper Party Headquarters in Nairobi.
Before the attack, a group of young men repeatedly issued verbal warnings to the battery journalists as they singled out Citizen, NTV and KBC as favouring President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Moments after news of the assault broke, media practitioners led by Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General Eric Odour and Editors Guild condemned the attack and demanded NASA leader Odinga to rein in his supporters.
Gachuri took to his Twitter account after the incident and said he had forgiven his attackers.
“I have forgiven my fellow young men who roughed me up at the Wiper Hqs . I do so UNCONDITIONALLY. May they find true PEACE in their hearts,” he said.
Nairobi Police Boss Japheth Koome on Tuesday also asked the victims to report to Muthangari Police Station for further action.
Already a probe has been launched by the Ministry of Information and that of the Interior, with a view to ensuring that the perpetrators face the full force of the law.
The National Super Alliance leaders led by Raila Odinga have also condemned the act and apologized to the victims saying the goons were uninvited.
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