This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto is facing mounting pressure over allegations of harassment by his security detail against journalists.
On September 1, 2019, Nation Media Group journalist George Munene was manhandled and detained by Ruto's security detail during a fundraiser at Kangata Catholic Church in Kirinyanga, according to a letter by Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) secretary-general Erick Oduor.
"The latest such incident took place on September 1, 2019... during which Nation Media Group journalist George Munene was manhandled and detained by your security detail without any cause," Oduor stated.
Earlier, on August 10, journalists covering the traditional wedding of Amos Ole Mpaka at Ng'ambo in Baringo were roughed up and assaulted by Ruto's security detail, with the DP appearing to shoo them off to give the crowd a clear view.
"You will also recall that on August 10, upon your orders, journalists covering the traditional wedding of Amos Ole Mpaka at Ng'ambo in Baringo were roughed up and assaulted by your security detail," the union further stated.
On June 27, Ruto refused to field questions from journalists over an alleged plot to assassinate him, ignoring requests to talk on the matter after a press conference on female genital mutilation at his Karen residence office in Nairobi.
"We demand an immediate apology from you as a state officer and an assurance that your office will assist the victims in pursuing legal redress. We also want an assurance that acts of impunity against journalists shall cease," the union said in the letter.
