Several journalists attacked, equipment stolen during Gachagua's return from US

Several journalists from multiple media houses were violently attacked on Thursday afternoon while covering the return of DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua from the United States.

Reporters from Royal Media Services, Standard Group, and TV47 sustained injuries, had their equipment stolen, and saw their vehicles vandalised during the chaos.

Among those injured was Citizen TV’s Willy Ogunga, who suffered head injuries after being struck with stones.

 “Tukajipata tuko katikati ya goons wa Rigathi na upande wa huko chini walikuwa wanazuia wasiingie upande huu mwengine. In that confusion mimi niliona giza, nilikuwa nafikiria macho yangu imetoka. Ukiangalia hii nguo yote ni damu. A colleague alitoa shati yake, akamwagilia maji, ndio nikashikilia hivi…”Ogunga said.

Ogunga and other journalists were in their work vehicles when they were targeted by the youths.

TV47 reporters Jones Ng’ang’a, Eric Kioko, and Mike Kagwongo also sustained injuries during the incident. Meanwhile, Standard Group had equipment stolen and vehicles vandalised in the chaos.

“Nlichoona ni kidonda ambacho ni approximately 4cm by 6cm, so tumemshona,” Shaban Hajji, a doctor at RMS, said.

The attack is part of a disturbing pattern of violence against journalists in Kenya.

Recently, another Royal Media Services reporter reportedly suffered a broken arm while on assignment.

“Kama wanahabari sisi ndio tunajipata katika boiling point. Juzi, a colleague of ours alijipata akavunjwa mkono. Tungeomba pia serikali iangalie maswala ya wanahabari kwa sababu at the end of the day, we have to show what is happening. If our life is endangered, hakuna vile tutapeana story,” Ogunga stated.

This latest incident highlights the increasing risks journalists face in politically charged environments.

Despite repeated calls for their protection, attacks on the press continue, particularly during high-profile political events.