Trans Nzoia-based Royal Media Services reporter Collins Shitiabayi has recorded a statement at Kitale Police headquarters, following Thursday morning incident where a suspected fertilizer cartel assaulted him, destroyed his mobile phone and tore his shirt.
Shitiabayi was attacked at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Kitale depot while covering the plight of farmers who have been camping at the depot to collect the scarce commodity.
Edwin Kipchumba, the suspect who is currently in police custody tried to prevent Shitiabayi in line of duty after threatening to deal with him using goons.
Was Collins Shitiabayi injured in Kitale?
In the most unfortunate incident, the journalist sustained injuries on one of his ears, his Iphone 6 worth Ksh 33,000 was destroyed and his shirt torn.
After committing the offence, Kipchumba tried to escape the scene but boda boda riders outside the depot overpowered him and handed over to the police.
Speaking to colleagues after recording a statement at the Kitale police station, Shitiabayi said the vicious man probably feared his presence in the depot because he is suspected to be one of the fertilizer cartels.
“The moment I arrived here, the man told me point blank that I could not get any story. He then told me that should I continue pursuing the story, he will send goons to attack me. I took my phone, contacted my boss and the suspect heard my conversation and that is when he slapped me, tore my shirt and that is how my phone got destroyed,” Shitiabayi said.
Caren Lumbasi, a seasoned journalist who accompanied Shitiabayi to the police station condemned the act and called for respect for media freedom.
“What happened today to our colleague amounts to breach of freedom of the media and it should not be condoned anywhere. We demand that a serious action be taken against the culprit,” Lumbasi stated.
Some farmers who witnessed the incident said attack on journalists should not be allowed because it claws back the gains of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya.
Jennifer Mukhonyo, one of the farmers said the suspect should be properly interrogated to establish his motive.
“Media is our only mouthpiece and attacking news reporters should not be happening in this era. We know some people want to sell fear to journalists so that they don’t expose the ills in our country,” said Mukhonyo.
