Abductions
Tharaka Nithi Woman Representative Susan Ngugi has condemned abductions and attacks on Kenyan journalists witnessed in the past four weeks, since the onset of anti-finance bill protests.
This comes in the wake of the attempted abduction of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho, the shooting of MediaMax journalist Catherine Wanjeri and the harassment of CNN photojournalist Fabien Muhire.
The legislator, speaking during a disbursement drive for the National Government Affirmative Action Fund(NGAAF) at Kiereni, Chuka/Igambang’ombe Constituency, said the media has the right to report on significant national matters, terming the abduction, brutality and obstruction of media professionals from carrying out their mandate, as against the law.
“Journalists play a vital role in informing and educating the society on important issues and occurrences. Let them be allowed to participate in their watchdog role as well, in both good and bad times of this nation. They should be given the right and space to exercise their mandate,” she said.
In its fifth report released on 16th July, 2024, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) revealed that 50 people have died, while 413 have been injured in relation to the protests. It further adds that 59 people have been abducted or gone missing.
The KNCHR has called upon the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to hasten investigations and prosecution of individuals found guilty of violating human rights in the context of policing demonstrations.
Ngugi supported the recent High Court ruling suspending the decision by the National Police Service to ban demonstrations in Nairobi city and its environs, noting that every Kenyan had the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket as guaranteed in Article 27 of the constitution.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye on Thursday issued a temporary order restraining the acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and any persons within the police service from enforcing the ban.
“Article 37 places an obligation to the state to facilitate all in the exercise of their right to demonstrate and assemble including availing adequate security for all demonstrators, but the right comes with the responsibility of exercising demonstrations when peaceful and unarmed, and that is what we are asking,” she said.
President William Ruto has on previous occasions assured Kenyans that action will be taken against rogue police officers accused of shooting protestors, once investigations are complete, stating every officer found culpable will be brought to justice.
However, the women rep drummed up support for any dialogue, aimed at enabling the President deliver on his promises.