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DPP wants investigations on increasing attacks on journalists sped up


Director of Public Prosecutions, Keriako Tobiko has directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, IPOA, to speed up investigations into increasing attacks on journalists.

In a letter copied to the Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet, Mr Tobiko asked IPOA Chairman, Macharia Njeru to forward the file with relevant findings to his office.

“I would like to confirm whether you have initiated investigations into the matter and if so, when you expect to complete the said investigations” Mr Tobiko said.

WORRYING TREND

The Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General, Eric Oduor had written to the Inspector of General of Police on April 29 seeking interventions following the increasing cases of harassment and assault on journalists by police officers.

In the letter, Mr Oduor said, “This trend is worrying and will have a negative impact on press freedom in Kenya.”

He cited the alleged attack of Citizen TV cameraman Reuben Mogachi and Nation Media Group’s Nehemiah Okwemba and three other officials from the Tana River County by GSU officers while on an assignment to trace cattle allegedly confiscated by Agriculture Development Co-operation (ADC) in their farm.

“A week later, four journalists Macharia Gaitho, Bernard Namunane (Nation Media Group), Purity Mwambia and Frankine Wambugu were summoned by CID officer for interrogation over stories they carried,” Mr Oduor had indicated.