Journalists Storm Out of NASA Meeting after Goons Attack Them

Journalists covering a National Super Alliance (Nasa) meeting at the Wiper Democratic Party headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi stormed out of the venue following attacks on some of their colleagues.

Trouble began when goons arrived at the venue and attacked Citizen TV crew led by senior political reporter Francis Gachuri (Citizen) and Chris Thairu (KTN), while NTV camera lady was slapped as they demanded the journalists leave the meeting. The rowdy goons accused the section of journalists of being ‘pro-Jubilee.’

"I am under siege. The goons are now threatening to torch Citizen's observation van," Gachuri told The Star on phone during the incident.

Nasa leader Raila Odinga and other principals were scheduled to make the much awaited ‘major announcement’. NASA was to announce the way forward to its supporters after President Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the duly elected President by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Monday. Raila had promised to make the announcement on Monday, but it was rescheduled to Tuesday (today).

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) director of communications Philip Etale condemned the incident terming it as unfortunate. "I must say what I saw was unfortunate, barbaric and archaic," he said. "On behalf of NASA, I apologise for the attack on my brother Gachuri and on my sister Jane of NTV. I am very disturbed." Etale said.

Journalists vowed not to cover Nasa events in solidarity with those attacked, unless the opposition outfit assures them of security during such events.