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The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly condemned the assault and robbery of journalists covering former Deputy Rigathi Gachagua’s homecoming, where crews from TV47, Citizen TV, and Standard Group were attacked.
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The incident happened on Friday, August 21, along Mombasa Road, as Gachagua’s convoy left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
According to reports, unidentified assailants targeted journalists, leaving several injured and making away with crucial equipment, including cameras and mobile phones.
MCK said such acts threaten media freedom and urged the Inspector General of Police to investigate and hold those responsible to account.
“The Media Council strongly condemns the violent assault and robbery of journalists during Gachagua’s homecoming. Several reporters were injured, with some hospitalised, while vital tools of work were stolen,” the Council said in a statement.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga also criticized the violence, stressing that the Constitution guarantees freedom of the press and the right to assemble, which must always be upheld.
Cape Media Limited confirmed that its TV47 crew was attacked at City Cabanas along Mombasa Road, where journalists were assaulted and their equipment stolen.
“We condemn this blatant violation of press freedom and urge authorities to act swiftly to safeguard journalists covering events lawfully,” said Macharia Wamugo, Head of TV at Cape Media.
The chaos broke out as Gachagua’s convoy passed City Cabanas, where groups of youths began pelting stones. Witnesses said the situation escalated when unidentified individuals on motorbikes joined the fray, forcing Gachagua and other leaders to take cover.
