Standard Group reporter based in Trans Nzoia County Osinde Obare on Thursday filed a report at the Kitale Police headquarters that while on duty, he was assaulted by individuals he suspects are officers attached to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Speaking to the press after reporting the incident, Osinde said he was roughed up by six officers dressed in civilian clothing.
The officers had reportedly arrested a traffic police officer for demanding a bribe.
“As I was coming to town, I saw a huge crowd which attracted my attention and I saw a news story. Even after identifying myself by flashing my card, they could not stop beating me and I was saved by locals,” the reporter said.
He noted that his mobile phone was also damaged in the fracas that saw him slapped multiple times.
“I feel some pain on my cheeks,” Osinde narrated, even as he called for the arrest and prosecution of the said officials.
“I am asking EACC boss Twalib Mbarak and EACC at large to conduct thorough investigations so that the rogue officers whose motive remains unknown to us can be arrested and charged in a court of law,” he appealed.
The seasoned Standard Journalist is now hoping the culprits will face the full force of the law for justice to be served.
“I am going to see my doctor to assess the extent of the damage and I ask that I may get justice,” Osinde said.
Freedom of the media
Some journalists who accompanied the Journalist to report the incident at the police station condemned the incident.
They termed it a threat to freedom of the media, freedom of expression and access to information.
“We are professional journalists and we have ethics guiding our day-to-day activities. It was uncouth and barbaric for the officers to attack one of us. We say that must and should stop,” said one of the Kitale-based Journalists.
It is reported that after the incident, the said EACC officer sped off using a Toyota Landcruiser vehicle whose registration number is KCJ 956X.
