K24 Journalist Shot During Nakuru Protests Faces Threats

 In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• K24 journalist Catherine Wa Njeri, shot by police during anti-government protests in Nakuru, is now facing threats to her life, causing her to consider dropping her case.

• Despite the intimidation, she continues to pursue justice with support from the Nakuru Association of Journalists and IPOA.

Catherine Wa Njeri, a journalist with K24, who was shot in the thigh by anti-riot police during recent anti-government protests in Nakuru, is now facing new challenges as she reports receiving threats to her life. 

While covering the protests, Wa Njeri was followed by unknown individuals to and from the hospital where she is receiving treatment for her injuries.

Wa Njeri has expressed deep concern for her safety, admitting that she has seriously considered withdrawing her case due to the distressing situation. 

She explained that her focus has been on her recovery, and the threats have only heightened her fears. 

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"As a human being, especially as a woman, I am scared. When I receive a call from a man telling me such things, I hesitate to leave my house. I live alone, so I fear stepping out because of the threats. They might even target my family since they know them," she shared with K24.

Despite the intimidation, Wa Njeri acknowledges the support she has received from the Nakuru Association of Journalists and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). 

This support has encouraged her to continue pursuing her case. 

"For my safety, I had contemplated dropping the case, thinking it would stop them from following me. However, I commend the backup I've received from the Nakuru Association of Journalists, who have worked with IPOA to push the case forward. This has motivated me to hold on. It would be a letdown to them if I abandoned this case because it carries significant weight," she stated.

Adding to her anxiety, Wa Njeri reported receiving a troubling phone call from someone insisting on meeting her. 

The caller claimed they could introduce her to the officer involved in the shooting, who has not yet been arrested. This development has further highlighted the dangers Wa Njeri continues to face.

After the incident, Wa Njeri went to the Central Police Station to report the shooting. The officers there were cooperative and assisted her with the Occurrence Book (OB) process. She is now waiting to be assigned an investigating officer to handle her case.

Wa Njeri was shot during the June anti-government protests in Nakuru's Central Business District, where she was covering the demonstrations alongside another journalist, who also suffered serious injuries. 

The incident drew widespread condemnation from civil society groups and the media community, as Wa Njeri was seen gripping her leg and crawling on the ground in pain, with blood visible on her upper thigh.