Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) Secretary General Erick Oduor has condemned the attack on members of the fourth estate at Wiper Headquarters.
The Union demanded that NASA hands over the goons who attacked Citizen TV Senior Reporter Francis Gachuri and NTV Camerawoman Jane Gatwiri to the police.
KUJ warned that failure to that, it will ask its members to stay away from Opposition meetings.
The journalists were assaulted by supporters during a meeting called by the National Super Alliance (NASA) at the Wiper headquarters in Nairobi on Tuesday.
“Kenya Union of Journalists condemns the attack on Citizen reporter Francis Gachuri by NASA supporters. These acts of violence against journalists is not acceptable and [we] demand action against the perpetrators. If such acts do not stop, we will advise journalists to stay away from such events,” he stated.
[caption caption="Members of the fourth estate"]
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ODM Director of Communication Philip Etale issued an apology over the incident, stating that it was unfortunate and he had reported the matter to NASA leader Raila Odinga.
He further maintained that Mr Odinga was disgusted by the melee on the journalists.
Mr Etale assured journalists that the group involved will be reprimanded and a statement issued on the same.
“A statement on the same will be released and the youth involved will be reprimanded. On behalf of NASA, I apologise for the attack on my brother Gachuri and sister Jane of NTV. I am very disturbed,” Mr Etale stated.
The Opposition Chief also expressed his disappointment on the roughing up of journalists who had been invited for the press briefing. He issued his apology to journalists who were assaulted.
The incident raised an uproar among political leaders and fellow journalists who condemned the attacks on members of the fourth estate.
National Assembly leader of Majority Aden Duale termed the attack as despicable and condemned violence against innocent journalists.
Others covering the event, including foreign journalists, walked out of the event in solidarity with their colleagues who had been humiliated and assaulted.
[caption caption="Journalists walking out of Wiper Party headquarters"]
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