The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, has called for a thorough investigation into threats issued against Mediamax journalist Wanjeri Kariuki. Wanjeri, who was shot in the thigh on July 16, 2024, while covering anti-government protests in Nakuru, has since reported receiving threatening messages, which she believes are attempts to coerce her into dropping her case against the police.
Odhiambo’s call for action came via a post on her X account, where she condemned the threats and emphasized the need to protect media professionals, particularly those who are victims of police brutality. “This should be investigated, the media should not be intimidated especially a victim of police brutality!” Odhiambo stated in response to a newsfeed regarding the threats.
Journalist Survives Shooting and Threats
Wanjeri Kariuki was injured during the protests when she was shot four times, with three bullets lodged in her thigh. The Kameme FM journalist has since expressed fears for her safety, stating in an interview with K24 TV that she believes the individuals threatening her are attempting to force her to withdraw her case against the police. Wanjeri revealed that she has considered dropping the case out of concern for her family’s safety. “Nimecontemplate kuachana na hii kesi kwa sababu unajua ukiachana na kesi huyo mtu ameacha kukuandama,” she said, which translates to, “I have contemplated dropping the case because that would mean that the person threatening me stops.”
Despite these fears, Wanjeri remains resolute, partly due to the support she has received from the Nakuru Journalists Association since her hospitalization. She emphasized that giving up the case would mean letting down those who have stood by her. “Their intention is for me to drop the case but that will be me letting down the people who have been helping me fight. And we know it is a weighty case,” she said.
Wanjeri has recounted the shooting incident, describing how she was initially hit with a teargas canister before being targeted with gunfire. “Nobody would convince me that I was not a target because it is not the first time I had been targeted. A teargas canister had hit me, but I did not report the matter, I did not escalate the matter,” she noted. Wanjeri’s ordeal highlights the increasing risks faced by journalists in Kenya, particularly those covering sensitive political events.
Calls for Justice
Following the shooting, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the incident. Ingonga urged Kenyans who witnessed the protests or have information about police conduct to come forward and record statements. “Further, I have directed Ipoa to investigate the shooting of Catherine Njeri Wariuki, a Kameme FM and TV reporter, which allegedly occurred within Nakuru County on July 16, 2024,” said Ingonga. He underscored that witness statements would be crucial in holding the responsible parties accountable.
Despite the traumatic experience, Wanjeri expressed some satisfaction with her treatment at the Central Police Station, where she was warmly received and assisted in recording her statement. “The lady police officer received me warmly and helped me record my statement objectively without resistance. She then told me to wait for my case to be referred to an investigating officer,” she said.
A Broader Call for Media Protection
The LSK’s call for an investigation into the threats against Wanjeri comes amid growing concerns over the safety of journalists in Kenya, particularly during times of political unrest. Wanjeri’s case underscores the urgent need for measures to protect media professionals from intimidation and harm, ensuring that they can carry out their duties without fear of retaliation. As investigations proceed, there is hope that justice will be served and that the safety and rights of journalists will be safeguarded.
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