Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet on Thursday ordered a probe into the arrest of two Nation Media Group (NMG) journalists in Mombasa while on duty.
NTV had released footage of cameraman Karim Rajan and Daily Nation photojournalist Laban Walloga being roughed up and handcuffed as they sought to find out why a private developer was putting up a hotel allegedly encroaching on beach land in Shanzu.
Residents raised concerns as the construction had led to a section of the beach being closed off.
Boinnet promised "immediate investigations" to establish the officers involved as he assured that action would be taken against those found culpable.
“We want to know who was on the wrong— whether it was our officers, the journalists, the contractors or the askaris then further action can be taken. As of now, we do not know anything,” he explained to Nation.
[caption caption="NTV Cameraman Karim Rajan"]
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Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, on the other hand, ordered a probe into the circumstances that led to the beach encroachment.
He further threatened legal action against the developer if it was established that they disregarded the law.
"It should be noted that no construction is allowed beyond the 30 metre water mark. There can be no compromise about that because it is the law.
"If the private developer is found to have contravened the law, action will be taken," noted county Communications Director Richard Chacha.
In 2017, the county had stopped construction on the hotel reportedly owned by a top government official over illegal dumping of debris by the roadside.
The contractor, Avco Agencies Limited, however, went on with the construction despite receiving a letter from the county government.
“The development of the land has been carried out without permission. You are required to immediately cease the undertaking of any works and/or construction," the letter read in part.
[caption caption="Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho "]
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