Kisumu journalists condemn attack on Citizen TV cameraman

Journalists in Kisumu County have roundly condemned an attack on one of their own. Citizen TV cameraman Dismas Nabiswa was attacked by people believed to be Azimio La Umoja One Kenya supporters as he covered demos on Thursday.

Nabiswa was injured as he fleed from a group of rioters.

Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) Chairman Rushdie Oudia condemned the incident in a statement titled 'Don't shoot the messenger.'

"In yet another sad day for the media industry, an innocent journalist who was going on his normal duties turned to be a subject of attack by criminals taking advantage of the ongoing anti-government protests. The Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) condemns in the strongest terms possible, an attack on one of us," he said.

"During the unfortunate, barbaric and uncivilized incident, Mr Dismas Nabiswa, the Citizen TV cameraman was critically injured while fleeing from a group of rioters who were pelting him with stones in a bid to stop him from capturing the demonstrations."

Oudia said some members of the public recording using their phones, were also pelted with stones around Nyamasaria area.

"Nabiswa who was taking the shots from a footpath erected across the Kisumu-Nairobi Road was injured after he missed his step while fleeing to evade the stones thrown at him, rolled down the steps, breaking some of his ribs," he added.

He was rescued by boda boda operators who rushed him to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, and later transferred to Avenue Hospital where he is being attended to.

His camera and a live-u video transmission gadget were damaged, and his phone stolen during the melee.

Oudia who writes for the Nation urged media owners to assure journalists of their safety.

"We therefore call for restraint on the part of the public even as they pursue for justice or voice their concern about various issues affecting them. We also ask the media owners to ensure that journalists covering volatile situations are well kitted."

According to the Media Council of Kenya, over 20 journalists have been attacked across the country, since Azimio protests started last week.