Mediamax Journalist Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki has claimed she was specifically targeted during anti-government protests in Nakuru on Tuesday. Wanjeri, who was shot three times while covering the protests, spoke to the media on Thursday.
Wanjeri revealed that she had been hit by a teargas canister earlier before being shot.
“Nobody would convince me that I was not a target because it is not the first time I had been targeted. A teargas canister had hit me, but I did not report the matter, I did not escalate the matter,” she said.
She showed her colleagues a scar on the same leg where she was later shot.
Wanjeri left her home at around 1:30 pm to go and cover the anti-government protests in Nakuru.
Just like any other day, she expected to do her job and return home safely to her family.
“Little did I know that I would end up in a hospital with stitches on my thigh,” she said.
Wanjeri was shot four times. Three bullets lodged in her thigh.
The rubber bullets have since been removed, and doctors at Annex Hospital in Nakuru say she is out of danger.
But, she is uncertain about the recovery time. And the potential lasting damage from the scars.
Catherine Wanjeri Received Call from Mother before the Shooting
Wanjeri said that just seven minutes before she was shot, her mother called and urged her to stay safe.
Moments before she was shot, Catherine Wanjeri helped a female police officer in a police van, by giving her toothpaste to alleviate the effects of teargas.
Wanjeri remains hopeful that justice will be served.
By Vivian K.