Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko has asked Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet to investigate the Tuesday attack on two journalists by Nasa supporters in Nairobi.
In a letter to Mr Boinnet, Mr Tobiko said the investigations should be conducted with the aim of charging the suspects in court. “I am directed by the Director of Public Prosecutions to direct you to immediately and urgently commence thorough investigations into the incident and ensure that those found culpable are arrested and arraigned before court,” said Nicholas Mutuku, the deputy DPP.
The two, Citizen TV’s Francis Gachuri and NTV’s Jane Gatwiri, were roughed up by youths who accused the media of bias in reporting last Thursday’s fresh presidential election in which President Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the winner.
While Nasa leader Raila Odinga condemned the incident and apologised on behalf of the coalition, critics have argued that the attack points to a growing trend in which journalist find themselves on the receiving end of politicians and the police.
The Kenya Editors Guild, the Kenya Union of Journalists and the Media Council of Kenya, described the Tuesday incident as a criminal act and asked the Nasa leadership to identify the culprits and hand them over to the police.
And as the world marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists today, the focus will be on finding ways to end the crimes and find justice for the victims.
Now in its 11th year, the day, celebrated every second day of November, seeks to highlight some of the crimes committed against journalists and shine a light on those who have endured torture, intimidation, forced disappearances among others, in the line of duty.
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