An MP has taken issue with failure by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to act on police who beat journalists during Miguna Miguna’s aborted return to the country two months ago.
Speaking during a National Assembly media engagement retreat at Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa, Ms Jumwa said Dr Matiang’i should take action on the police officers who attacked journalists covering Miguna’s return from Canada at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
“Dr Matiang’i said he will form a committee, but no action has been taken on the police officers,” the Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa said.
Ms Jumwa said journalists should be respected and protected while doing their work.
“We want CS Matiang’i to tell us why the police officers were harassing the journalists who were doing their job at JKIA and what action will be taken on them,” Ms Jumwa demanded.
On March 26, the police officers attacked TV and newspaper reporters and cameramen as they covered the drama that marked Miguna’s return.
Among the journalists who were attacked are: NTV cameraman Robert Gichira, Citizen TV reporter Stephen Letoo and KTN News reporter Sophia Wanuna.
Ms Jumwa questioned why Mr Matiang’i has yet to take action on the officers involved in the violent attack.
The MP, who is also the Parliamentary Service Commission’s ICT Committee chairperson, said journalists should be given opportunity to perform their duties.
“We are not happy when we see the rights of the journalists being violated or their lives put in danger,” she said.