Written By Lisa Murimi
During the Nane Nane protests in Nairobi on Thursday, activist Kasmuel McOure, known for his fiery rhetoric, sought refuge at the Nation Media Group (NMG) offices on Kimathi Street.
In a dramatic video clip circulating on social media, McOure is seen sprinting towards the Nation Center’s entrance, leaping over security barriers as police tear gassed the area to disperse protesters.
The clip, lasting just 11 seconds, captures McOure, dressed in his signature suit, making a frantic dash into the media house, which hosts the Daily Nation newspaper and NTV. Reports suggest that McOure was being pursued by police officers who were targeting him during the protests.
The demonstrations, which saw hundreds of youths gathering in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), were met with heavy police resistance, including roadblocks on major routes like Waiyaki Way and Thika Superhighway. Police used teargas and arrested several protesters.
Media practitioners were also targeted; Cecilia Ngunjiri, a journalist, was injured by police, and a guard was hospitalised after being beaten for filming the police. Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo reported that journalists were teargassed, condemning the violence against the press.
As the protests continued, concerns over police actions and their impact on journalists grew, with the Media Council of Kenya being urged to take action.
