This archive report was first published on 6 September 2019.
On September 1, 2019, a Nation Media Group journalist, George Munene, was manhandled and detained by Deputy President William Ruto's security detail during a fundraiser at Kangata Catholic Church in Kirinyaga, sparking outrage among Kenyan journalists.
The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has petitioned the DP, citing two incidents of harassment in the past two months, including an August 10 incident where journalists covering a traditional wedding in Baringo were roughed up and assaulted by the DP's security detail.
According to the KUJ, the DP had reportedly shooed away journalists to give the crowd a clearer view of the speakers' podium, telling them he was not there to address them, but rather members of the public gathered at the venue.
The journalists union is demanding an immediate apology from the DP and an assurance that his office will assist the victims in pursuing legal redress, as well as a guarantee that acts of impunity against journalists will cease.
The DP's office has yet to comment on the petition, which was signed by KUJ secretary-general Erick Oduor on September 6, 2019.
