A number of journalists were violently attacked and left injured on Thursday afternoon while covering the chaotic return of Democratic Change Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua from his U.S. tour.
The incident unfolded near the Kabanas area along Mombasa Road, Nairobi, where a large crowd had gathered to welcome Gachagua. Amid the confusion, what began as political jubilation quickly spiraled into violence when rival groups clashed, trapping members of the media in the crossfire.
Journalists from major media houses — including Royal Media Services, Standard Group, and TV47 — were assaulted, their work equipment stolen, and vehicles vandalised. Among those seriously injured was Citizen TV’s Willy Ogunga, who sustained head injuries after being struck with stones by suspected political goons.
“Tukajipata tuko katikati ya goons wa Rigathi na upande wa huko chini walikuwa wanazuia wasiingie upande huu mwengine. In that confusion mimi niliona giza, nilikuwa nafikiria macho yangu imetoka… A colleague alitoa shati yake, akamwagilia maji, ndio nikashikilia hivi,” Ogunga emotionally recounted.
Medical assessment at Royal Media Services confirmed Ogunga suffered a deep wound approximately 4cm by 6cm that required stitches, according to in-house doctor Shaban Hajji.
Other affected journalists included TV47’s Jones Ng’ang’a, Eric Kioko, and Mike Kagwongo, all of whom suffered minor to moderate injuries. The Standard Group team reported missing equipment and damaged vehicles.
The brazen assault is just the latest in a growing pattern of intimidation and violence against journalists in Kenya, especially in politically charged environments. According to colleagues, this is not an isolated incident.
“Juzi, a colleague of ours alijipata akavunjwa mkono… Kama wanahabari sisi ndio tunajipata katika boiling point… If our life is endangered, hakuna vile tutapeana story,” Ogunga lamented, calling on the government to take the safety of journalists seriously.
Kenya has seen a troubling rise in assaults on members of the press in recent years. Human rights groups and media watchdogs have consistently warned about the lack of accountability in cases involving violence against journalists. Despite public outcries and multiple petitions to the government, few arrests or prosecutions have been made following such attacks.
Political events — especially involving high-profile figures — have increasingly become hotspots for hostility against the media, with reporters often targeted for simply doing their jobs.
In response to Thursday’s events, media associations have condemned the violence, demanding thorough investigations and immediate action from law enforcement. There has been no official statement from DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua or his team as of press time.
As Kenya continues to navigate its political tensions, the press remains an essential pillar of democracy. The safety of journalists is paramount — not only for their protection but for the nation’s right to access truthful, uncensored information.
Unless the government takes decisive steps to hold perpetrators accountable, such incidents threaten to silence the very voices tasked with holding power to account.
