Standard Group journalist Isaiah Gwengi on Friday, July 7, sustained facial injuries allegedly due to an assault by police officers in Bondo, Siaya County.
Gwengi recounted that he was approached by police while capturing photos of the protest that ensued all day.
Despite presenting his press card as proof of his profession, the police reportedly persisted in arresting him, with the melee escalating into a physical assault.
The scribe detailed that he was held at Bondo Police Station for nearly an hour, prompting his colleagues to press for his release.
"They confiscated my camera and placed me in custody. I cannot trace even my camera,” he lamented, still reeling from the alleged assault.
While speaking on the incident, Ibrahim Kosi, Bondo Sub-County Police Commander, told the Standard that the arrest may have been a case of mistaken identity. He assured police were investigating the matter and would issue a preliminary report.
Gwengi was among other journalists who were injured in their line of duty. Reports indicated that the assaults were not only allegedly orchestrated by the police but also by rogue elements posing as protesters.
In other developments, Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) demanded the release of protesters arrested during the Saba Saba demonstrations.
The civil society groups also demanded officers accused of using excessive force be held accountable.
"Measures taken to ensure the Azimio la Umoja Kamukunji rally proceeds peacefully should have been consistently deployed across all the other demonstrations that police officers have forcefully disrupted.
"Article 21 of the Constitution binds the police to fulfil, promote and protect human rights, including the right to peaceful assembly. The 2nd Schedule of the National Police Service Act mandates that police use force only as a last resort and in an accountable manner. It is only appropriate to use force in specific circumstances, such as to protect life," read the statement by Amnesty in part.
Azimio, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, led nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Act 2023, which introduced new tax measures such as the Housing Fund.
The High Court suspended the implementation of the Act on Friday, June 30, dealing a major blow to President William Ruto.
Victoria Rubadiri to Leave Citizen TV Developing Story
