The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the assault of an NMG journalist on Thursday in Murang'a.
Mwangi Muiruri was roughed up by uniformed police officers during a food donation exercise organized by Second Lady Dorcas Gachagua.
In a letter dated Friday, November 25, IPOA regional Coordinator Nyeri Office Rashid Wekesa requested Muiruri to appear before the authority at the offices on Monday at 10:00 pm.
This is so it can record a statement on the incident.
"You will also be required to furnish us with treatment notes, p3 report and any other evidence relating to the incident," Wekesa added.
Section 7 (1) (a) of the IPOA Act gives the authority power to gather any information it considers necessary by lawful means as it may deem appropriate.
This includes the requisition of reports, records and documents from any source and interview, and record statements.
During the Thursday incident, Muiruri was recording a video of Dorcas Rigathi distributing relief food to residents when one of her aides approached him demanding to know his identity.
He said he introduced himself and produced his work ID 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.
A scuffle ensued when the journalist demanded his mobile phone back but the aide who was then joined by his counterparts attempted to push him towards their vehicles.
Earlier, Murang’a police commander Ali Nuno said preliminary findings indicate that Muiruri had advanced towards Dorcas in a manner that drew the attention of her aides.
Nuno said when officers tried to prevent that breach, a scuffle ensued.
“I have one side of the story. I have not seen Muiruri but according to security officers, he advanced to the second lady. As security officers, we are under obligation to provide security to VVIPs. We cannot allow just any Tom, Dick and Harry to approach a VVIP,” Nuno said.
