Nation Media Group photographer Evans Habil Kweyu In hospital after being attacked by goons….Photo/IP
By The IP correspondent
NAIROBI, Kenya
A photojournalist was brutally assaulted by a group of criminals on a Nairobi street hours after reporting on victims of motorcycle taxi robberies, prompting condemnation from media rights groups and renewed concerns over rising urban insecurity.
Nation Media Group photographer Evans Habil Kweyu was attacked Monday evening as he walked home after covering a story about victims of so-called “boda boda” assailants.
The attackers, believed to be machete-wielding men riding on a motorcycle, struck Kweyu in the face, leaving him with deep cuts to his nose and eye.
Earlier in the day, Kweyu had visited hospitalized victims of similar attacks, including Gospel musician Jimmy Gait, who was reportedly injured in a separate incident involving motorcycle-riding assailants.
Hours later, as Kweyu made his way home following an evening football match, three men on a motorcycle confronted and attacked him.
He was rushed to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, where he underwent corrective surgery and is currently recuperating.
The attack has drawn sharp criticism from press freedom advocates.
The Kenya Editors Guild described the assault as “a grave and unacceptable act of violence,” warning that organized criminal gangs are increasingly terrorizing motorists, pedestrians, business owners and commuters with alarming boldness.
Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Kananu called on security agencies to swiftly investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
She urged national and county leaders to address what she termed a deteriorating security environment in the capital.
The guild further called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, senior ministry officials and the Inspector General of Police to take urgent action to curb escalating crime.
Kenyan journalists have faced sporadic attacks and intimidation in recent years, heightening concerns about both press freedom and public safety.
No arrests had been reported as of Tuesday.
