What Happened to the Journalists Covering Saba Saba in Nyeri?
Three journalists were assaulted in Nyeri on Monday while covering the Saba Saba protests, in what has become a stark reminder of the rising threats facing Kenya’s press. Kamau Mwangi and James Maina from Royal Media Services, along with Kameme TV’s Wahu Ngugi, were attacked by individuals posing as protestors during what began as routine news coverage.
Kamau was struck with stones on his back, Maina was slapped on the neck, and Wahu was pushed to the ground, suffering injuries to her knees. “They thought we were filming them, which we were not; we were checking on the closure of businesses in Nyeri. The moment they saw the cameras, they ran towards where we were standing and they attacked us,” Maina said.
The group had no choice but to flee into a nearby police truck to escape the attackers. According to the victims, the assailants seemed to target them intentionally. “Immediately they came, they first grabbed the tripod stand, tripod ilikuwa na Kamau and then they went for the camera which was with James. And when they saw me standing hapo nyuma and then they came running to me,” Ngugi recounted.
Why Is This a Serious Threat to Journalism in Kenya?
This incident is being described as one of the most serious attacks on journalists in Nyeri, a town not previously known for hostility toward the press. “We are very worried because this is a new trend that is forming because journalists are directly targeted by people posing as peaceful protestors,” said Seth Mwaniki, Chairman of the Nyeri Press Club.
Mwangi shared his frustration with the lack of safety: “And ile pilkapilka ya kujaribu kumuokoa, that is how they landed on me with stones and blows. Quite hurt kwa mgongo lakini si vile sana. It speaks to just how our environment ya kiufanya kazi is not as safe as we would want it.”
How Does This Impact Press Freedom Going Forward?
Monday’s assault adds to a growing list of attacks on Kenyan journalists, especially during politically sensitive events. These incidents continue to raise red flags about the freedom and safety of media professionals across the country.
Journalists covering demonstrations have repeatedly highlighted increasing aggression, both from individuals and security agencies. As this hostility escalates, it poses a significant threat not only to media practitioners but also to the constitutional right to free expression and access to information.
By Lucky Anyanje