Three Kiambu journalists attacked by goons, splashed with oil, stinking sewage
Goons attacked three journalists from Mediamax Network Ltd, Standard Group and Nation Media as they covered a meeting convened by traders in Limuru town over increased business levies.
The three, Paul Njau (Kameme TV/Milele FM), Chege Kimaku (KTN) and Abraham Gatheca (NTV) were confronted by a gang that damaged their tools of work and beat them up, leaving the scribes with various injuries.
The journalists later reported the incident at the Limuru Police Station where they also recorded statements regarding the attack in which their equipment was stolen.
“It has been a very bad day for journalists in Kiambu. We believe the goons had clear instructions to attack us. As we tried to protect our cameras from sewage and oil, that is when they managed to destroy our tools,” said Njau.
He added: “We have since reported the matter at Limuru police station and we now hope that action will be taken to ensure that our stolen tools of work are returned and those behind the thuggery are arrested,” Njau said.
The attackers were reportedly hired goons and disrupted the meeting meant to object to the increased levies.
The traders claimed that the high taxes were implemented despite declaration that the rates had been lowered by 50 per cent.
What started as a mere exchange of words later degenerated into chaos forcing everyone to scamper to safety.
The assailants are said to have sprinkled old engine oil mixed with stinking sewage on the attendees alongside the neighbouring buildings and even moving vehicles.
“One of them came asking me why I was filming and after I responded, he grabbed my camera and dismantled it. The goon was among others carrying oil and stinking sewage,” said Gatheca, the NTV reporter.
During the meeting, the Kiambu county government officials had a rough time trying to calm the situation that saw them denied an opportunity to address participants.
The meeting had been called deliberate increased levies and business permits.
Despite the chaos, Limuru traders vowed to stay put, insisting that they will only start paying the stipulated levies upon consensus between them and the devolved government.
Limuru East MCA Paul Macharia Kawambui condemned the act.
“I agree with Limuru traders that they should not pay for licenses until the case lodged before a court of law is heard and determined. We will not bow down to intimidation,” Macharia stated.
