Raila apology to journalists attacked by NASA supporters

Opposition chief Raila Odinga apologised to the media after a group of youth attacked Citizen TV and NTV journalists who had gone for a NASA press conference.

Rowdy youth, believed to be National Super Alliance (NASA) supporters attacked Citizen TV’s Francis Gachuri together with Jane Gatwiri from NTV as they covered the opposition’s parliamentary group meeting at Wiper Party Headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi.

The group accosted the journalists demanding for their removal from the venue, insisting that they were not welcome in any NASA function.

Things escalated fast and Gachuri was roughed up and forced to flee from the rowdy mob. NTV camera lady was slapped twice as the goons tried to wrestle her camera from her.

“I extend my apology specifically to Mr. Gachuri who was molested by some rowdy youth who were completely uninvited to the event. I have spoken to Mr. Wachira Waruru and apologised to him,” said Raila.

Other leaders weighed including ICT CS Joe Mucheru who condemned the incident, adding that his ministry “is investigating this incident with a view to ensuring that the perpetrators face the full force of the law.”

“The constitution guarantees the media the freedom to exercise their right under article 34 and it is therefore unacceptable that NASA supporters went out of their way to contravene this constitutional provision. I condemn this act and assure the media that the government will continue to ensure that their right to perform their duties in accordance with the law is protected,” said Mucheru.

NASA co-principal Musalia Mudavadi also condemned the attack and extended his apologies to Gachuri saying that investigations to trace the individual involved had commenced.

“I have contacted the individual journalist and registered our sincere apology,” read a statement from Mudavadi.