Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) has condemned in the strongest words possible attack and consequent actions by one of the bodyguards belonging to Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof. George Magoha.
The Cabinet Secretary George Magoha was inspecting desks brought at Kosawo Primary School.
“However, while struggling to get the best shots of the CS with the pupils, Nation Media Group Photographer Ondari Ogega accidentally bumped into the security detail whose identity is not known and apologised,” the press statement from KJN signed by the chairman Rushdie Oudia read.
It is said that the CS’s bodyguard followed him as he made his way out of the classroom and reached for his fly before squeezing his genitals and threatened to do more outside the classroom.
The network adds that the said officer grabbed a female journalist a photographer from People Daily’s buttocks and pushed her to give way for the CS.
The network expressed that these incidents have not only instilled fear among the journalists, but also amounts to sexual assault and suppression of the freedom of the press as enshrined in Articles 33 and 34 of the Kenyan Constitution.
“As journalists in this region, we take this incident with great concern, and shock especially with the utter irresponsibility and daring face the officer went on with his harassment in broad daylight and in the presence of the CS,” stated the press statement.
The network drew CS Magoha, Inspector General of Police Mr. Hillary Mutyambai and the Minister for Interior Dr Fred Matiangí attention to take action against the said rogue officer with itchy fingers.
“If left to go scot free, the officer is likely to continue unabated with the nasty and distasteful behaviour against not only journalists but other members of the public,” read the press statement.
The same officer is said to have harassed another journalist in Vihiga inserting his fingers into his mouth.