IG Kanja, DCI Amin Apologises To Assaulted Citizen TV Journalist
The National Police Service’s senior leadership, led by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, apologized on Thursday to a Citizen TV journalist who was harassed by a police officer in a videotaped encounter.
In the morning incident, Agnes Oloo, a photographer at the Royal Media Service-based station, was observed arguing with a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) investigator in an attempt to keep her camera from being confiscated.
DCI officers harass Royal Media Services journalists, confiscate a camera pic.twitter.com/NYA5EWtJWV
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) December 5, 2024
Kanja described the situation as one of an overzealous police, and he apologized to the public and the aggrieved journalist.
The IG was briefing the press on NPS preparatory efforts ahead of the Christmas season.
VIDEO: Police IG Douglas Kanja and DCI boss Mohamed Ibrahim Amin say the police service has acted on the harassment of Citizen journalist Agnes Oloo by a DCI officer and apologised over the incident.
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) December 5, 2024
"We have some officers who are overzealous and this is an issue we have… pic.twitter.com/zksVGvY7uf
“I am aware of this case that happened early this morning and I want to take this opportunity and thank the DCI boss because he acted instantly when he received this information,” Kanja stated.
“We have some overzealous officers and this is an issue we have addressed. We have apologised for the incident,” he added.
DCI Director Amin Mohammed also supported his boss Kanja, adding that the department has made efforts to rectify the problem.
Amin added that because the media and the police work together, there was no need for the officer to try to deny the journalist the ability to do her job.
“That was a very isolated incident as overall, we have had a very close working relationship with the media. The media and the police are two institutions whose duties demand that we work together,” Amin stated.
“Immediately that matter was brought to my attention, I made sure that the situation was rectified. We shall continue training officers on how to interact with the public,” he added.
In a video provided by Oloo’s colleague Ayub Abudukadir, which has since gone viral and sparked outrage among Kenyans and media professionals, the investigator was shown struggling to remove her ca, era despite her persistent refusal.
As Oloo remained adamant about not letting go, the cop clad in a suit chased her away, prompting criticism of his professionalism.
ALSO READ:
- Former DP Gachagua Drops Reinstatement Bid, Seeks Full Impeachment Compensation
- ‘May Justice Prevail!’ – Gachagua Says As Impeachment Case Begins
- List Of Conditions World Bank Has Set For Kenya To Access Ksh97B Loan
- NTSA Issues Mandatory Inspection Orders For ALL School Vehicles
- “Joho Has What It Takes!” – Gladys Wanga Says On Highly Contested DP Position
“The incident occurred this morning at the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road, we had gone to record the summoning of Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thangwa,” Ayub Abdikadir narrated.
The Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK) has already criticized the event, calling for quick action against all police officers who have abused journalists in the past.
Harassment of journalists is a blatant attack on our press freedom. We demand accountability and an end to this culture of intimidation! #PressFreedom #EndHarassment https://t.co/5GLWOKSU9x
— Joseph Muraya (@MrMuraya) December 5, 2024
“We demand that all officers involved in the harassment, violence, and intimidation of journalists, including those at the DCI headquarters and during protests, must face disciplinary and legal consequences,” CJAK stated in a statement.
“Unresolved cases, including the shooting of Catherine Wanjeri, must be revisited, and those responsible held accountable,” it added.
IG Kanja, DCI Amin Apologises To Assaulted Citizen TV Journalist
