Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) is an organization bringing together all registered journalists operating within Kisumu County.
The network would like to condemn in the strongest words possible attack and consequent actions by one of the bodyguards belonging to CS Education Prof George Magoha.
Today, November 19, 2020 when CS Magoha was inspecting the desks brought at Kosawo Primary School, journalists were invited to cover the function and almost all the media houses in Kisumu were represented.
However, while struggling to get the best shots of the CS with the pupils, Nation Media Group Photographer Ondari Ogega accidentally bumped into the said officer whose identity is not known and even apologised.
However, as he made his way out of the classroom, the CS’s bodyguard followed him and reached for his fly before squeezing his genitals and threatening to do more outside the classroom.
Just in the same classroom, the said officer also grabbed a female journalist’s buttocks and pushed her to give way for the CS. The journalist is People Daily’s photographer Viola Kosome.
The same officer whose face has been captured by some of the journalists is said to have harassed another journalist in Vihiga inserting his fingers into his mouth.
The incidents have not only instilled fear among the journalists, but also amounts to sexual assault and suppression of the freedom of the press as enshrined in Articles 33 and 34 of the Kenyan Constitution.
As journalists in this region, we take this incident with great concern, and shock especially with the utter irresponsibility and daring face the officer went on with his harassment in broad daylight and in the presence of the CS.
Under the current constitution, the police are the National Police Service and no longer a force and therefore should carry out themselves in accordance to their code of ethics and in line with the constitution.
KJN takes this opportunity to draw the attention of the CS Magoha, Inspector General of Police Mr Hillary Mutyambai and the Minister for Interior Dr Fred Matiangà to take action against the said rogue officer with itchy fingers.
If left to go scot free, the officer is likely to continue unabated with the nasty and distasteful behaviour against not only journalists but other members of the public.
