There was drama in Muti, Ithanga Kakuzi subcounty, Murang’a, after a journalist was manhandled by second lady Dorcas Rigathi’s security aides.
Mwangi Muiruri, a Nation reporter was recording a video of Dorcas distributing relief food to residents when one of her aides approached him demanding to know his identity.
Muiruri said he introduced himself and produced his work badge but the aide was not satisfied and grabbed his mobile phone.
“He said they do not allow anybody to record videos using mobile phones during their functions,” Muiruri said.
But a scuffle ensued when the journalist demanded to have his mobile phone back and the aide who was then joined by his counterparts, attempted to push him towards their vehicles.
One of the aides was seen slapping the journalist as other aides held him.
At this time, the scuffle had attracted the attention of other journalists covering the event with one managing to record a video of the confrontations.
But the aides managed to get his phone too and deleted the video before returning the mobile phone to him.
The journalist however recovered the deleted video which has since circulated widely.
“They treated him that way despite seeing his badge and knowing that he is a journalist. That is so unfortunate. Why is it wrong to record a video using a phone?” a journalist questioned.
It took the intervention police officers led by local subcounty police Commander Peter Nyaanga to quell the scuffle.
Nyaanga said he knew Muiruri and asked the aides to let him go.
Muiruri said the aides later gave him back his mobile phone.
He said their actions were uncalled for and would record a statement at Kaguku police station.
