Journalists scamper for safety as mourners attack them

Journalists stationed in Migori County were forced to scamper for safety after rowdy youth attacked them at the funeral of Nyatike Member of Parliament Edick Anyanga’s father, which was held at Kibuon Secondary School in Nyatike Saturday morning.

The journalists, comprising reporters working for KBC, Citizen TV, K24 TV, Radio Namlolwe and Mayienga FM, had just arrived at the funeral and were setting up their work equipment when youth who had attended the funeral armed with clubs attacked them.

The youth accused the reporters of not giving the region and some area legislators’ positive coverage.

The five journalists hurriedly entered their car and sped off, leaving the youth hurling clubs at their (journalists’) vehicle.

The journalists reported the matter to the Migori Police Station under OB 41/9/12/2016.

Migori County Journalists Association, led by their chairman George Juma, are now appealing to the police and other relevant bodies to investigate the matter, saying that some politicians are targeting innocent journalists because they are giving coverage to opponents and exposing graft.

Juma said Migori journalists will boycott functions organised by politicians who are not friendly to them, adding that they will also take legal action against individuals who issue threats to journalists.