County executive officer records statement over assault Kenyan journalist

Police have commenced investigations into the alleged attack of a journalist by a Laikipia county executive.

Water Executive John Akaale is alleged to have attacked a Nation Media Group journalist on Wednesday morning in the presence of Governor Joshua Irungu in Nanyuki town.

Mr. Akaale recorded a statement on Wednesday evening. The journalist, Muchiri Gitonga, said he was attacked when signing the condolence book for Martin Baragu, a clerk at the assembly who passed on in a road accident.

“The executive came and confronted me claiming I was insulting him in the social media, and before he could even explain how I was insulting him, he slapped and rained blows on me until staff at the assembly and a bodyguard of Mr. Irungu came to my rescue,” said Mr. Gitonga.

He said the executive warned him against continued posting of negative comments about him on the social media saying he will send him “six feet under”.

possible prosecution

Laikipia East OCPD Kegode Kidiavai said Akaale had recorded a statement and police are investigating the matter. “Once we are through, we will forward the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions for directions,” said Mr Kidiavai.

The matter was taken up by the assembly, within whose precincts the alleged attack occurred.

Nominated MCA Catherine Waruguru sought directions from the Speaker and asked for the institution of an ad-hoc committee to investigate Akaale.

Kenya Union of Journalists Chairman Oscar Obonyo asked the police to investigate the matter and prosecute Akaale if found guilty.

Mr Obonyo said cases of journalists being attacked while on the line of duty are on the increase adding that the officer behaved contrary to the law on leadership and integrity.