Journalists sustain severe injuries during Azimio demos

Pictures seen by the Star shows a journalist bleeding on the face and another was hit on the forehead.

In Summary
  • Kisumu Journalists Network has condemned an attack on a Kisumu-based Citizen TV photographer.
  • According to KJN, Dismas Nabiswa was critically injured while fleeing from a mob of rioters who were pelting stones in a bid to stop him from capturing the demos.
A journalist injured on the face during Azimio demonstrations on March 30, 2023.
A journalist injured on the face during Azimio demonstrations on March 30, 2023.
Image: HANDOUT

A number of journalists on Thursday sustained injuries during the Azimio La Umoja demonstrations in Nairobi.

Pictures seen by the Star show a journalist bleeding on the face and another one being hit on the forehead.

The NTV cameraman was injured and rushed to the hospital.

Kisumu Journalists Network has condemned an attack on a Kisumu-based Citizen TV photographer.

According to KJN, Dismas Nabiswa was critically injured while fleeing from a mob of rioters who were pelting stones in a bid to stop him from capturing the demos.

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He was injured after he missed his step while fleeing to evade the stones thrown at him and rolled down the steps.

He was rescued by boda boda operators who rushed him to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and later transferred to Avenue Hospital.

His gadgets were damaged and his phone was stolen during the melee.

"We condemn this criminal behaviour and call upon the public to be tolerant of the media as they do their job," he said.

"The incident has not only instilled fear among the journalists but also amounts to the suppression of the freedom of the press as enshrined in Articles 33 and 34 of the Kenyan Constitution."

This is not the first time journalists have been assaulted.

On Monday, journalists were caught in the middle of the clash between the police and protesters.

Several journalists were assaulted, vehicles vandalised and their phones and equipment stolen by goons in the city.

Media watchdogs condemned continued attacks on journalists saying it limits their freedom.

"Police officers attacking journalists undermines press freedom, limits the public's access to information, violates human rights and can cause physical or psychological harm," MCK CEO David Omwoyo said.

Journalist covered in blood after he was attacked during Azimio demonstrations on March 30, 2023.
Journalist covered in blood after he was attacked during Azimio demonstrations on March 30, 2023.
Image: HANDOUT
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