K24, The Standard journalists attacked during UDA meeting in Trans Nzoia
K24, The Standard journalists attacked during UDA meeting in Trans Nzoia
Two journalists from Standard Group PLC and Mediamax Network Limited have been assaulted while covering a UDA meeting in Cherangany, Trans Nzoia, in an incident that has sparked fresh concerns over press freedom in the country.
The attack, which occurred on Friday, March 20, targeted journalists George Njoroge and Gilbert Sitati as they covered the political event.
The two were reportedly confronted by goons allegedly linked to Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang over a story published by the Mombasa Road-based media house linking him to a controversial ambulance tender at Harambee House.
According to reports, Njoroge sustained injuries during the attack, while Sitati was assaulted as he filmed the incident and nearly lost his phone before colleagues intervened to rescue them.
Videos and images circulating online showed one of the attackers, identified as Joram, violently assaulting one of the journalists even as he pleaded for his life.
“Do not kill me. I am going to delete the footage. Why are you assaulting me?” the journalist was heard pleading before managing to escape.
The incident reportedly unfolded in the presence of political leaders and security officers, who did not immediately intervene, further raising concerns over the safety of journalists on assignment. Njoroge was later rushed to the hospital, where he is said to be in critical condition.
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The attack is linked to a controversial report by The Standard and KTN titled “The Masterminds of the Harambee House Tender Scam,” which alleged links between Chesang and individuals involved in a fraudulent ambulance deal.
Chesang, through his lawyers, has since issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the media house to retract the story or face legal action, terming the report false and defamatory.
Separately, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) dismissed claims that officials from President William Ruto’s office had been arrested, clarifying that the suspects were impostors who orchestrated a fake tender scheme targeting foreign investors.
According to the DCI, the suspects posed as officials from key ministries and lured victims into a fictitious ambulance supply deal, using forged documents and fake identities to solicit large sums of money.
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