Several journalists were assaulted and tear-gassed by police officers at Kirobon High School in Rongai Sub-County on the night of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, while covering an attempted arrest of former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
In a strongly worded statement released on April 9, the Nakuru Journalists Association (NJA) condemned the attack, saying it was a blatant violation of press freedom.
According to NJA, police officers lobbed tear gas canisters directly at journalists despite clearly identifying themselves as members of the press.
“This reckless action endangered lives and was a clear attempt to intimidate the press,” the NJA said.
The incident occurred just days before Malala’s controversial play Echoes of War is scheduled to be staged at the 63rd National Drama Festivals at Lions Primary School in Nakuru.
Among the journalists affected were Maryanne Nyambura and Evans Asiba (Citizen TV), Peter Kimani (KTN), Robert Maina (Inooro TV and Radio), Joseph Kipsang (whose camera was damaged), and Kennedy Gachuhi (Standard Group).
Speaking after the incident, Maryanne Nyambura said police not only used tear gas but also fired live bullets. “I was assaulted while attempting to go live on air,” she said.
“We were attacked alongside my colleagues, and the residents are now questioning who the police were targeting with live ammunition.”
She added, “We’ve left the scene, but we picked up a live bullet from the road. People are asking why officers would use live rounds at night.”
The NJA described the incident as unacceptable, unlawful, and a direct attack on press freedom. It further warned that continued harassment of journalists by police poses a dangerous threat to freedom of expression.
The Association called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch an immediate investigation and take disciplinary action against the officers involved.
“The media plays a vital role in a democratic society,” the NJA stated.
“Any attempt to silence or intimidate journalists must be met with firm resistance and accountability.”
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