NAIROBI, Kenya — A TV47 crew was on Thursday afternoon attacked and injured by unidentified assailants at City Cabanas along Mombasa Road while covering the homecoming of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
According to the station’s parent company, Cape Media Ltd, the attackers not only assaulted the journalists but also stole critical broadcast equipment, including a camera and mobile phones.
The company said the incident has been formally reported to the authorities and assured that the affected staff are receiving medical, emotional, and logistical support.
“We strongly condemn this blatant attack on press freedom and call on authorities to swiftly investigate this incident and ensure the safety of all journalists legally covering this and other events,” said Macharia Wamugo, Head of TV at Cape Media, speaking on behalf of the CEO.
A Chaotic Afternoon on Mombasa Road
The assault occurred in the middle of a tense afternoon that saw goons on motorbikes attack Gachagua’s motorcade, damaging several vehicles.
The incident also drew parallels to earlier episodes where suspected state-backed goons infiltrated peaceful Gen Z protests, raising questions about whether such groups are being redeployed in Kenya’s political landscape.
Wider Concerns for Media Freedom
Press freedom advocates have expressed alarm, noting that Thursday’s attack is part of a disturbing pattern where journalists covering politically charged events have been harassed, injured, or had equipment confiscated.
“This is not just about TV47. It is about the right of Kenyans to be informed,” said a senior editor at another station who spoke on condition of anonymity. “When journalists are attacked, it is democracy itself that is under siege.”
The attack comes amid heightened political activity surrounding Gachagua’s return from the United States, where he had been for six weeks.
Gachagua has yet to issue a detailed statement on the violence, but allies close to him have described the events as deliberate sabotage meant to disrupt his much-anticipated comeback rally at Kamukunji grounds.
