Two NTV journalists and a driver were roughed up and denied access to an Azimio La Umoja rally in Dagoretti North, Nairobi County on Thursday, March 18.
News reporter Martin Mwangi, his cameraman Shamanson Osiago, and their driver, Simon Ashiko, were reportedly manhandled by men who identified themselves as security officers charged with the responsibility of ensuring law and order in the rallies.
In a video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, one of the men who claimed to be part of the security detail was seen approaching the journalists before demanding that the NTV crew leaves.
An altercation ensued when the security detail accused the journalists of occupying a spot reserved for another media house.
After the altercation, the team from the Nation Media Group (NMG), NTV's parent company, left the rally.
In the 9pm news coverage, NTV condemned the incident stating that it would take up the matter with the Azimio La Umoja team.
NTV further announced that it would seek clarification from the Raila Odinga Presidential Campaign communication's team over the incident it termed as unfortunate.
The Kimathi Street-based media house stated the matter should be taken seriously given the role the media plays during the electioneering period.
"We hope that this incident will never happen again. Not only to NTV journalists but to all members of the media especially now when we are edging closer to the August 9 polls," NTV journalist Mark Masai stated.
On his part, Raila Odinga's Press Secretary, Dennis Onsarigo, apologised on behalf of the Azimio La Umoja team adding that the incident would be investigated.
He promised that the incident would not recur in the future and that journalists covering the Azimio La Umoja rallies were guaranteed of their safety.
The rally was organised by Nairobi County aspirants and was led by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, as they popularised Raila Odinga's presidential bid. Raila is on a working tour in the UK.
