The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is now investigating the police shooting of Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a journalist from Media Max, who was shot during an anti-government protest Kenya on Tuesday.
Catherine Wanjeri was shot three times on July 16 while covering the protest on Kenyatta Avenue in Nakuru City. She was taken to Valley Hospital and then moved to PGH Annex for further treatment.
On Thursday, July 17, journalists in Nakuru town marched peacefully to the Central Police Station to show support for Wanjeri and demand justice. Initially, they were not allowed into the station, but Nakuru County Commander Samuel Ndanyi intervened, and they were eventually let in.
The journalists, led by Joseph Openda, chairman of the Nakuru Journalist Association (NJA), handed a petition to Commander Ndanyi. They called the shooting an attack on both an individual and press freedom. They demanded the arrest and prosecution of the police officer responsible for the shooting, stressing the need for justice and safety for journalists.
Openda maintained that journalists should be able to work without fear of violence, harassment, or intimidation. He asked for formal assurances from the authorities that journalists would be protected.
“We seek formal assurances from your office that journalists will be protected while carrying out their duties. Journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and holding authorities to account. They should be able to carry out their work without fear of harassment, intimidation or violence,” said Mr Openda.
Commander Ndanyi responded by saying the police oversight team had taken over the investigation and assured that justice would be served. He urged journalists who were with Wanjeri to come forward and give statements to the IPOA.
Kipkoech Ngetich, a lawyer from Nakuru, condemned the shooting and said the Law Society of Kenya would defend the media. He demanded the immediate arrest and charging of the officer responsible, warning that if this didn’t happen, the Law Society would file a private prosecution for attempted murder.
Women Press Freedom has also condemned the police shooting of journalist Kariuki, and demanded immediate accountability for the officers involved.
They have also called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to ensure a swift and transparent investigation.