Kiambu Journalists Attacked By Goons Carrying Stinking Sewage, Oil
Kiambu county journalists from various different media houses after they reported their being attacked by goons while on duty at Limuru police station.
By Felix Njenga
Three journalists from Mediamax Network Ltd, Standard Group and Nation Media Group were yesterday attacked as they covered a meeting convened by traders in Limuru town to challenge Kiambu County government’s increased business levies.
The three, Paul Njau, Chege Kimaku and Abraham Mbugua were confronted by goons who stole their tools of work and beat them, leaving them with injuries.
“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 the goons behind the thuggery act are apprehended,” Njau, the Kameme TV/Milele FM reporter said.
“It has been the hardest 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 successfully managed to destroy our tools,” added Njau.
The goons, allegedly hired by supporters of governor Kimani Wamatangi, disrupted the meeting, objecting to the matter of increased levies being discussed publicly.
The increase, they decried, was implemented despite Wamatangi’s declaration that the rates had been lowered by 50%.
What started as a mere exchange of words generated into chaos forcing everyone to scamper to safety.
The goons are said to have sprinkled old engine oil mixed with stinking sewer on the attendees alongside the neighbouring buildings and 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,” Mbugua, the NTV reporter decried.
During the meeting, county government officials had a rough time trying to calm the situation that saw them denied an opportunity to address attendees.
The meeting had been called to challenge Kiambu County’s punitive business rates and levies.
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 local government.
Limuru East MCA Paul Macharia KaWambui condemned the act and urged Governor Kimani Wamatangi to follow the Finance Bill law that was passed by the assembly.
“Limuru traders were peaceful and were discussing the future of their enterprises. 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.
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