Meru journalists today held peaceful protest to condemn the alleged assault of a K24 TV reporter Nelson Mutwiri by a County Public Service CECM Nturibi Etirikia while covering the enforcement of a court order.
The demonstrations were held amid songs, dance and feasting while waving placards with police officers closely monitoring the situation.
Despite the tension, the forth estate had time to enjoy delicious chapati and water to quench the thirst.
There was a brief standoff before the county government allowed the media fraternity to access the devolved unit headquarters.
They are now calling on the Meru County government and the security agencies to take immediate disciplinary and legal action against anyone involved insisting Governor Isaac Mutuma must tame his staff before things go out of hand.
The journalist took to the streets during the morning session amid songs, dance and feasting while waving placards with police officers closely monitoring the situation.
Led by Meru Press Club chairman David Muchui,they said Mutwiri was allegedly assaulted as county officials confronted Meru Revenue Board CEO Edward Macharia, who was serving them with a court order reinstating him to office.
”The media fraternity condemns the unwarranted attack on the K24 TV reporter Nelson Mutwiri by a County Public Service CECM Nturibi Etirikia while covering the enforcement of a court order. We are now calling on the Meru County government and the security agencies to take immediate disciplinary and legal action against anyone involved. Governor Mutuma should also tame his staff since some might soon start behaving like goons especially during the election campaign period,” said Muchui.
They also condemned the reported abduction of Standard Group associate editor Alex Kiprotich, who was abducted by an armed gang along the Gilgil-Nakuru road before being found safe near Masinga Dam about nine hours later.
They called on the Media Council of Kenya and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident and take legal action against anyone found responsible.
The chairman condemned the incident and issued a seven day ultimatum to Governor Mutuma to ensure the CECM publicly apologies failure to which the forth estate will hold demonstrations next Wednesday to petition the Assembly to have him removed from office citing gross misconduct, incompetent, abuse of office, behaving violently among others.
He warned that any assault against journalists is a direct attack on press freedom and the public’s right to knowledge.
”MPC condemns the incident since they are better ways of dealing with the incidence.
We demand for a public apology failure to which we shall petition the county Assembly of Meru to remove him from office due to incompetence,gross misconduct, abuse of office and violent behavior among others. Any assault against journalists is a direct attack on press freedom and the public’s right to know,” said Muchui.
He challenged the Executive and the Assembly to reveal when the law was passed to convert a public office to a bedroom where only secretive things take place.
The incident occurred two weeks ago and was captured on camera when a former senior county official was serving the county government with a court order seeking reinstatement to office.
Mutwiri was prevented from carrying out his duties while covering the proceedings surrounding the enforcement of the court order.
“This is an unacceptable and dangerous assault on press freedom, the rule of law and constitutional order because a public officer has no licence to use physical force, intimidation or government machinery to prevent journalists from doing their work,” Muchui said.
Muchui called for an immediate, unequivocal and public apology from the senior county official to the journalist, his media house, the wider media fraternity and the public.
He urged media houses to put mechanism and legal protection in place to ensure their employees are safe and well protected as they carry out their professional duties.
The journalists called for respect for Articles 33, 34 and 35 of the Constitution, which provide for freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information.
They also cited Article 73, which requires State officers to exercise authority in a manner that promotes public confidence and upholds the principles of leadership and integrity, including accountability, discipline and selfless service.
The journalists said anyone found culpable should face appropriate legal and administrative action regardless of their position or political connections.
They stressed that journalists are not enemies of the government but play a constitutional and professional role in informing the public, scrutinising public institutions and holding leaders accountable.
The journalists called on the Media Council of Kenya and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident and take legal action against anyone found responsible.
They said public institutions should guarantee journalists safe and unhindered access when covering matters of public interest and county government operations.
