Bouncers who attacked journalists, police during raid to face law- NACADA

Shisha bongs seized during a NACADA raid at Kettle House in Kilimani, Nairobi on Friday, January 5, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The National Authority for Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has condemned the violence on journalists during a Friday night operation within Nairobi.

A group of journalists who had gone to cover the crackdown on shisha at Kettle House Bar and Grill in Kilimani was assaulted by club bouncers, and their camera equipment confiscated.

"In an unfortunate and unprecedented turn of events, the security team at the club resorted to violence and in the process seriously injured journalists and police officers conducting the operation. This led to the hospitalization of some of the victims," NACADA Board Chairperson Stephen Mairori noted.

Twenty-one (21) people have since been arrested and 30 shisha bongs seized by the NACADA multi-agency team.

The Authority has warned that the perpetrators will face the law.

"Because of this, criminal charges against the offenders have commenced and they will be arraigned in court to answer to various charges related to the assault," it said.

The group of about 10 journalists from several media houses recorded statements at Muthangari Police Station, Nairobi after the attack.

"Police officers responded and were able to use necessary force and arrested 21 persons who are currently in custody awaiting to be charged with various offenses," a police report read.