Security officers from Murang’a now claim that the Nation Media Group journalist Mwangi Muiruri who was roughed up by security officers attached to second lady Dorcas Gachagua breached security protocol.
Murang’a county commander Ali Nuno said Muiruri made an advancement toward Gachagua’s spouse prompting the security officers to act.
Nuno claims the journalist did not have the identification badge with him and thus the officers could not establish who he was or his intentions.
Further, he said Muiruri did not liaise with the officer in charge of the area as was required.
“The officers noted someone who was advancing toward the second lady and they had to stop him because they did know who he was, ” the commander said.
He said it was after the scuffle that they recognized who he was and the officers set him free.
“Initially he did not have the identification badge and he took it from their vehicle which was parked a few steps away,” Nuno added.
He however said the matter will be investigated claiming that they have been trying to reach out to the victim to give his side of the story to no avail.
“We have not had the other side of the story, but he should report to the nearest police station where the incident took place,” said the commander.
Nuno said this is an isolated case adding that the relationship between the security officers and journalists has been cordial.
Muiruri who recorded a statement at Kaguku police station however said the officers assaulted him despite him having the job tag around his neck.
He said he did not breach any security protocol as he was in line with other journalists who were recording the event.
“I would like this matter investigated and we get to a logical conclusion and I get justice. Journalists need to be given their space to work without any harassment or intimidation,” Muiruri added.
He also claims he lost his phone during the scuffle.
