Nairobi County launches probe into Citizen TV journalist assault

Nairobi County launches probe into Citizen TV journalist assault

The Nairobi County government has commenced investigations into an incident where a Citizen TV journalist was assaulted while filming city council askaris demanding a bribe.

Kimani Mbugua was accosted by the officers on Tuesday while recording them demanding a bribe from a boda boda operator who had flouted the motorbikes ban in Nairobi’s CBD.

In a statement to newsrooms on Wednesday, the county government – while claiming to have adopted a zero tolerance policy against corruption – said the officers will be treated fairly but firmly during the probe and will be prosecuted if found guilty.

“We are also aware that several individuals masquerade as County officials, and it is a challenge that is being addressed. The claim will be treated with the seriousness it deserves,” reads the statement signed by Director of the Governor’s press service Elkana Jacob.

Mr. Kimani identified himself as a journalist during the Tuesday incident then insisted to be taken to Central Police Station if he was indeed under arrest but the county officers ignored.

“The officers realised they could get into trouble and released me but after forcing me to delete all the pictures and video I had recorded,” Mr. Kimani recalled.

The journalist however noted that those who arrested him had no uniform but provided identification showing they were Nairobi County government officials.

He was admitted at Nairobi Hospital but has since been discharged after only suffering minor head injuries.

https://twitter.com/IamKimaniMbugua/status/1059832136973410304

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Nairobi County Government Citizen TV journalist assaulted City Council askaris Elkana Jacob Kimani Mbugua

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