- Journalists in Meru have taken to the streets following the alleged assault of K24 reporter Nelson Mutwiri.
- They are demanding action against a county official and stronger protection for journalists carrying out their duties.
- The protest also condemned the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was later found safe.
In a rare show of solidarity, Meru journalists held a peaceful protest to condemn the alleged assault of K24 TV reporter Nelson Mutwiri by County Public Service CECM Nturibi Etirikia while covering the enforcement of a court order.
They are now calling on the Meru County Government and security agencies to take immediate disciplinary and legal action against anyone found responsible, insisting Governor Isaac Mutuma must tame his staff before things get out of hand.
The journalists took to the streets during the morning session amid songs and dance while waving placards, with police officers closely monitoring the situation.
Led by Meru Press Club Chairman David Muchui, they said Mutwiri was allegedly assaulted as county officials confronted Meru Revenue Board CEO Edward Macharia, who was serving them with a court order reinstating him to office.
“The media fraternity condemns the unwarranted attack on K24 TV reporter Nelson Mutwiri by County Public Service CECM Nturibi Etirikia while covering the enforcement of a court order. We are now calling on the Meru County Government and the security agencies to take immediate disciplinary and legal action against anyone involved,” Muchui said.
“Governor Mutuma should also tame his staff since some might soon start behaving like goons, especially during the election campaign period.”
Journalists issue seven-day ultimatum
The journalists also condemned the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was abducted by an armed gang along the Gilgil-Nakuru road before being found safe near Masinga Dam about nine hours later.
They called on the Media Council of Kenya and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident and take legal action against anyone found responsible.
Muchui issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Mutuma to ensure the CECM publicly apologises, failure to which the Fourth Estate will hold demonstrations next Wednesday and petition the County Assembly to have him removed from office, citing allegations of gross misconduct, incompetence, abuse of office and violent behaviour.
He warned that any assault against journalists is a direct attack on press freedom and the public’s right to know.
“MPC condemns the incident since there are better ways of dealing with the situation.
“We demand a public apology, failure to which we shall petition the County Assembly of Meru to remove him from office due to incompetence, gross misconduct, abuse of office and violent behaviour, among others. Any assault against journalists is a direct attack on press freedom and the public’s right to know,” Muchui said.
He challenged the Executive and the Assembly to reveal when the law was passed to convert a public office into a “bedroom” where only secretive things take place.
Incident captured on camera
The incident occurred two weeks ago and was captured on camera when a former senior county official was serving the County Government with a court order seeking reinstatement to office.
Mutwiri was prevented from carrying out his duties while covering the proceedings surrounding the enforcement of the court order.
“This is an unacceptable and dangerous assault on press freedom, the rule of law and constitutional order because a public officer has no licence to use physical force, intimidation or government machinery to prevent journalists from doing their work,” Muchui said.
Muchui called for an immediate, unequivocal and public apology from the senior county official to the journalist, his media house, the wider media fraternity and the public.
He urged media houses to put mechanisms and legal protections in place to ensure their employees are safe and well protected as they carry out their professional duties.
The journalists called for respect for Articles 33, 34 and 35 of the Constitution, which provide for freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information.
They also cited Article 73, which requires State officers to exercise authority in a manner that promotes public confidence and upholds the principles of leadership and integrity, including accountability, discipline and selfless service.
The journalists said anyone found culpable should face appropriate legal and administrative action regardless of their position or political connections.
They stressed that journalists are not enemies of the government but play a constitutional and professional role in informing the public, scrutinising public institutions and holding leaders accountable.
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They said public institutions should guarantee journalists safe and unhindered access when covering matters of public interest and county government operations.
By John Majau
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