Written by Lisa Murimi
The National Police Service (NPS) is facing criticism after General Service Unit (GSU) officers allegedly assaulted a Standard Group journalist, Daniel Chege, during Sunday’s protests in Molo, Nakuru County.
The demonstrations erupted following the murder of activist Richard Otieno, whose body was found in a mortuary under mysterious circumstances.
Chege reported that he and his team were attacked despite following all protocols for covering the protests.
The journalist sustained injuries to his left arm after officers assaulted him while he documented one officer allegedly hitting a protester with a stone.
“They tore my shirt and hit me with batons, even though we identified ourselves as press. The protest was peaceful, yet they ordered us to stop covering the event,” Chege recounted.
The incident has raised questions about the professionalism of anti-riot officers and their adherence to press freedom, guaranteed under Kenyan law.
Nakuru County has previously been criticized for violations against journalists, including a 2022 incident where reporter Catherine Wanjeri was shot while covering protests.
Activists and media organizations have condemned the latest attack, calling for an investigation to hold the officers accountable and protect journalists’ rights.
Meanwhile, residents continue to demand justice for Otieno, known locally as the “Molo President.”
