TV47 crew attacked, equipment stolen while covering Gachagua homecoming

A TV47 news crew was assaulted on Thursday afternoon at City Cabanas along Mombasa Road while covering the homecoming of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

According to Cape Media Ltd, unidentified attackers injured the journalists and stole key equipment, including a camera and mobile phones.

“We strongly condemn this blatant attack on press freedom and call on authorities to swiftly investigate this incident and ensure the safety of all journalists legally covering this and other events,” said Macharia Wamugo, Head of TV, in a statement.

The affected crew has reported the incident to the authorities.

The company added that it is providing medical, emotional, and logistical support to the team as they recover.

Chaos broke out as Gachagua's convoy passed through the City Cabanas stage, where groups of youths hurled stones.

The convoy, which was moving from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) toward the Nairobi Central Business District, was disrupted, forcing Gachagua and other leaders to take cover.

Witnesses said several unidentified individuals on motorcycles joined in, escalating the situation.

Several vehicles were damaged, including those carrying journalists.

Motorists and pedestrians also reported losing personal items, including mobile phones.

Some people were injured, and by 3 p.m. East African time, the convoy was still stuck.

The procession had earlier been largely peaceful, aside from a brief scuffle inside the airport as Gachagua's supporters were leaving.

Gachagua arrived in Nairobi following a month-long tour of the United States and landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at around 1 pm.

He was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas.

While in the US, the DCP leader visited several States where he met the Kenyan diaspora and held engagements.

Outside Terminal 1 for the international arrivals and departures, a group of enthusiastic supporters, including politicians allied gathered to receive him.

They were clad in DCP caps while holding other materials branded in party colours.