DPP asks police to probe assault on journalists

By Cyrus Ombati

Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko has directed Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo to investigate Sunday night’s assault on Nation Media Group journalists by General Service Unit (GSU) personnel as they covered riots in Kibera slums, Nairobi.

Tobiko told Kimaiyo to give him a report regarding the incident within 14 days. He said the importance of journalists being allowed to conduct their duties without hindrance, intimidation or harassment could not be overemphasised.

“It is not only a fundamental right under our Constitution, but one recognised under various international instruments that Kenya is a signatory to,” he said in the letter copied to the Director of Criminal Investigation Department and chairman of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.

Mr Dennis Okeyo, a Nation photographer and Mr John Otanga, an NTV cameraman, were attacked by GSU personnel in Karanja road area as they covered the demonstrations.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned harassment of journalists by security forces and supporters of some political parties during the just concluded primaries.