The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has taken legal action against bouncers who allegedly assaulted journalists at a popular Nairobi nightclub located in the Kilimani area.
According to the Authority, the perpetrators are set to be arraigned in court to answer to various charges related to the assault.
"Journalists and police officers while on duty are legally mandated to execute their assignment without threats, intimidation, violence, or any form of coercion," read part of a statement by NACADA.
"NACADA strongly condemns the violence and destruction of property."
The incident took place after officers from NACADA who were in the company of journalists attempted to arrest club managers for selling Shisha which is illegal in Kenya.
In an unfortunate and unprecedented turn of events, the security team at the club resorted to violence and in the process, seriously injured journalists and police officers conducting the operation.
This led to the hospitalisation of some of the victims while some journalists had their equipment confiscated and destroyed.
"We wish all those who sustained injuries a quick recovery even as we pursue all avenues to bring the perpetrators to book," NACADA noted.
“The Authority takes great exception to the violent nature of the response to the crackdown on illegal shisha activities in the country and reminds the public that attacks on members of the press, security officers, and other authorized personnel carrying out their duties are punishable by law."
NACADA while slamming the attacks, vowed to scale up the fight against the sale of shisha in clubs across the country.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) also condemned the attacks noting that such blatant assault on press freedom cannot be tolerated.
