K24 Journalist Wanjeri Kariuki Shot While Covering Anti-Govt Protests [VIDEO]

Uproar ensued on Tuesday, July 16 after Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a K24 reporter based in Nakuru, was shot and injured by individuals alleged to be police officers while covering the ongoing anti-government protests in the city.

Kariuki was in the company of a fellow journalist before she was shot three times in the thigh by police officers. Initial reports revealed that the live bullet was still lodged in her thigh.

A video seen by Viral Tea showed her writhing in pain as Kenyans attended to the journalist who could barely move owing to the impact of the bullet. The journalist who was accompanying her also sustained critical injuries.

Kariuki could be spotted holding onto her leg as she crawled on the ground in pain with blood stains on the upper part of the leg.

Here is the video showing the last moments before she was shot:

Last moments before K24 journalist Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki was shot while covering #Maandamano protests in Nakuru

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/OLRJB4NlNk
— Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) July 16, 2024

Following the incident, a rescue team quickly rushed to the scene and performed first aid on the journalist before rushing her to Valley Hospital located in Nakuru Town.

The journalist reportedly passed out while being lifted on the motorbike by fellow media personnel who rushed her to the hospital where she is presently receiving treatment.

Before the incident, she was covering heightened demonstrations within the Nakuru CBD as police officers attempted to contain the protesters from damaging critical infrastructure within the city.

Police officers could be captured pelting tear gas canisters at the protesters who were adamant in their pursuit to march through the streets to the governor’s office. In the midst of the chaos, she was hit by the bullet and captured lying on the ground.

The chaotic scenarios were also witnessed across the country as protesters took to the streets to demonstrate against the government. In Nairobi, protesters engaged police officers in running battles as the cops attempted to disperse the anti-government demonstrators who had gathered within the CBD.

Notably, President William Ruto in a roundtable interview with digital journalists on Sunday, June 30, empathised with the tough times journalists face, especially during their on-field reporting where they can be exposed to dangers such as theft and attacks from criminals who damage their equipment.

“Media have also become victims of some of the criminals in our streets. Media have also inadvertently sometimes got into situations where their cameras are broken, in the confusion, in the running around when there is commotion and it is unfortunate,” he went on.

Regarding matters of police harassment towards journalists, Ruto stated that journalists have the power to report such cases to the necessary authorities, assuring them that the culprits will be dealt with, even within law enforcement.

President William Ruto during a conversation with journalists from digital media outlets at State House, Nairobi on June 30, 2024. /PHOTO