During anti-government protests in Nakuru, K24 TV journalist Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki was shot three times in the left thigh while covering the anti-government protests. Wanjeri, who was dressed in press attire, was among several journalists documenting the events when tragedy struck.
Video footage taken just before Wanjeri was shot shows her helping a female police officer in their vehicle. She gives the officer toothpaste to soothe the effects of tear gas they both experienced moments earlier.
Her act of kindness, however, was met with wickedness, when an unidentified police officer allegedly fired shots, hitting Wanjeri three times on the thigh.
Fellow journalists and onlookers rushed to Wanjeri’s aid.
They rushed her to Valley Hospital for urgent medical treatment. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and outcry, with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Kenya Editors’ Guild condemning what they described as targeted attacks on journalists covering protests.
David Omwoyo, CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, described the shooting as “shameful and terrifying.”
He called for quick action to protect journalists in dangerous situations. The Kenya Editors’ Guild supported this, emphasizing the importance of defending press freedom and safeguarding journalists’ rights.
In response to public outrage, the National Police Service faced criticism for their handling of the incident, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into Wanjeri’s shooting.
By Vivian K.