Several journalists have suffered bodily harm from stabs by bouncers at KettleHouse Bar and Grill in Kilimani, Nairobi, during a crackdown on shisha by National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) officials. Journalists who were stabbed at KettleHouse Bar and Grill (l). The KettleHouse Bar and Grill (r). Despite the numerous attacks, the bouncers also vandalised their equipment and made away with other belongings, including memory cards and phones. According to a report by Citizen TV, the hotel bouncers and other travellers bounced on the NACADA officials, the police, and members of the press to prevent them from covering their outlawed business. “It was reported by Mr. Omerikwa, CEO NACADA, and Mr. Kosgei (SP), head of enforcement NACADA, that they were conducting a Shisha operation at Kettle House where the bouncers of the said club became violent, and in the process, members of the press covering the incident were attacked,” reads the police report. Which journalists were assaulted? Jane Kibira (KBC), Lawrence Tikolo (Citizen TV), Boniface Okendo (Standard), Jackson Kibet Standard) and Boniface Bogita (Nation) suffered different degrees of injury from the attack. “We were attacked last night during a NACADA raid in Kilimani. Other journalists I was with were injured, including a Nation Media Group photographer who was admitted to Agha Khan Hospital and a KBC cameraperson who was stabbed in the back,” said Okendo. “They took away my memory card. They ambushed us. We tried fighting back, but we were subdued. The police officers did not help the situation much, as they too were attacked,” Kibet added. Kibira was reportedly stabbed in the back, Tikolo suffered rib injuries and damage to his camera equipment, and Bogita had his phone lost during the altercation. KUJ condemns attack on journalists The Kenya Union of Journalists secretary general, Erick Oduor, has since condemned the attack, calling on the police to ensure that the attackers are brought to book. “Journalists have every right to serve society where public interest matters are concerned, and their calling for the greater good of Kenya cannot be obstructed by violence. “We call on the police, especially the Officer Commanding Kileleshwa Police Station, where some suspects in connection with the attacks are being held, to ensure journalists get justice,” said Oduor. The police had nabbed 21 suspects who are currently under police custody and awaiting charges. Journalists attacked, robbed during protests The attack brought back similar memories when local and international journalists who were covering anti-government protests in Kibra were attacked and robbed by a gang. The gang-wielding knives caused varying levels of injuries to members of the press during the widespread chaos that swept across the country. “Protesters had lit bonfires, and we were watching the protests unfold when we were attacked,” Ndung’u, a journalist, said.
by Nancy Odindo
