Bunge la Mwananchi President Francis Awino has condemned the recent shootings, injuries, and abductions of journalists. He highlighted the essential role journalists play in society and stressed that they should be able to work without fear.
“This is very wrong. Why abduct a seasoned journalist and claim it is a case of mistaken identity? It is also very wrong to shoot and injure a journalist while they are at work,” Awino said. “This shows that no one is safe.”
His comments follow the abduction of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho by police, who later claimed it was a case of mistaken identity. Additionally, during anti-government protests on Tuesday, police shot Kameme Radio/TV reporter Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki while she was covering the event. Kariuki suffered three gunshot wounds in what her colleagues described as a blatant police attack on the media.
Witnesses were confused and outraged as to why the officer aimed at a journalist who was clearly identifiable by her press jacket and media tag. Kariuki is currently admitted to the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital Annex, where she underwent surgery to remove three rubber bullets lodged in her thigh.
Awino also criticized President William Ruto’s decision to appoint Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi as “acting cabinet secretary” for all ministries. “If the president wants to bring change, then all his cabinet ministers should be fired, including Mudavadi. Why leave him in office?” Awino questioned.
This statement follows Awino’s recent call for President Ruto to address the high cost of living, police brutality, and the mysterious discovery of dead bodies at the Kware dumpsite in Mukuru Kwa Njenga. Bunge la Mwananchi has given the head of state 14 days to resign to necessitate an election.
