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• Tuko News
• Fri Apr 18 2025

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has directed the Internal Affairs Unit to investigate the alleged harassment of journalists by the police in Nakuru during the drama festival

In response to this directive, Police Commissioner Isaac Omare urged victims and witnesses to submit formal complaints and statements, promising action against implicated officers

This comes after the Nakuru Journalists Association expressed concern over inaction in past misconduct cases, but welcomed the intervention

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Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered a swift probe into alleged police misconduct against journalists at Kirobon Girls High School during an event involving ex-senator Cleophas Malala.

IG Douglas Kanja holding a lecture on the National Police Service strategic agenda in Ngong'. Photo: Douglas Kanja.

Source: Twitter

Kanja assigned a team from the National Police Service?s Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to look into the matter.

How will Internal Affairs Unit investigate assault?

He instructed them to collect testimonies from the affected journalists and establish the facts with the aim of taking disciplinary action if necessary.

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Addressing the press in Nakuru, Police Commissioner Isaac Omare, attached to the IAU, confirmed they had been instructed by the IG to investigate reports of police harassment targeting journalists and Butere Girls High School students, who had attended the national drama festival.

?We?re here on a fact-finding mission to determine what really transpired and whether there was any mishandling by police officers. Our team is gathering accounts from eyewitnesses who may have seen any misconduct," Omare said.

Omare urged anyone who felt victimised to come forward and formally file complaints, stressing that such reports must include detailed statements to facilitate proper follow-up.

?If you believe your rights were violated, you must submit a report and a statement so the case can be pursued,? he noted.

He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and the media, calling for mutual respect and collaboration during public events.

Had Nakuru journalists voiced concerns about police conduct?

Nakuru Journalists Association Chairperson Joseph Openda raised concerns over eroding trust in police oversight bodies, noting that previous cases of officer misconduct had often gone unpunished.

?Six of our members were mistreated while reporting on the Butere Girls event in Rongai. Many were hesitant to give statements to the police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) because they feared it would lead nowhere,? he told TUKO.co.ke

Openda, however, welcomed the IAU?s involvement and expressed hope that this inquiry would lead to real accountability.

Nakuru journalists and Police Commissioner Isaac Omare during a press briefing. Photo: Elijah Cherutich.

Source: Original

He appealed to the unit to also fast-track older cases involving journalist harassment to restore faith that media professionals? rights will be safeguarded.

"We?ve managed to convince two of the six affected journalists to record statements, and the remaining four are expected to do so soon,? he added.

What did William Ruto say about Butere Girls' play?

Days after mounting public debate over Echoes of War, a contentious play by Butere Girls High School, President William Ruto finally weighed in.

Addressing the matter on Sunday, April 13, Ruto subtly shifted blame toward Malala, believed to be behind the script.

Ruto affirmed that his administration is committed to nurturing the potential of all students, whether in academics, sports, or the arts, by ensuring they have equal access to resources and opportunities to thrive.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke