The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has condemned the brutal attack on three Mediamax journalists by youth believed to be supporters of Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko in Dandora.
The journalists, Sarah Ndung’u, Charles Mathai and Patrick Kimanthi, sustained injuries while covering a tour by Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero.
Ms Ndung’u suffered a deep cut in her head and is currently being treated at a Nairobi hospital.
“We wish to inform the politicians that any violence against journalists shall not be tolerated. KUJ will seek legal redress against such primitive acts and will launch campaigns for media blackouts against politicians using violence on the messengers as their campaign tools,” said KUJ Secretary General Eric Oduor.
“Journalists have no role in political rivalries between Dr Kidero and his opponents and, therefore, their safety must be guaranteed by the organisers of the political rallies,” he added.
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On his side, Governor Kidero condemned the attack as “a primitive and undemocratic act that denies the media and Kenyans free speech. It is a wrong signal with Seven months to the election.”
Kidero requested police to investigate and bring culprits to book.
“Why do my rivals fear and resort to violence? I am ready for dialogue on any matter that touches on services and the wellbeing of the people of Nairobi. No one has monopoly off violence and I should not be provoked,” Kidero said.
He promised to continue offering services to all Nairobi residents and carry on his visits undeterred by such criminal elements.
