A Machakos-based radio journalist is nursing injuries after he was attacked by unknown assailants on Monday morning.
Boniface Wambua, a reporter for Mbaitu FM who operates in Kangundo and Matungulu sub-counties, was assaulted while on his way to a nearby church for morning prayers.
“This morning at around 4.15 a.m., I was on my way to church for morning prayers. Around 200 meters from the Tala bus station on the way to Kisukioni, at a place called Vangala, I met two men who were armed with a panga and a heavy metal rod. The one with the rod hit me on the legs and the other cut me with the panga on the head, right arm and right leg. After I fell down, they took my phone and some money I had and told me to run,” said Wambua.
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“I have already reported the matter to Tala police station and I believe police will take action,” added Wambua.
Wambua who was treated at Matungulu Medical Center, however, expressed concern that criminal activities have recently spiked in the town.
Close friends and the media fraternity took to social media to condemn the attack where they called on the police to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
“We condemn the attack on Boniface Wambua of Mbaitu FM in Kangudo early this morning and urge police to launch investigations on the motive with a view to holding the attackers accountable. The motive of the attack remains unclear,” posted the Kenya Correspondents Association in their Facebook page.
“We stand in solidarity and urge all journalists at Mbaitu FM and in the region to remain courageous in doing the duties. The entire KCA family stand in solidarity,” the association added.
Last week a Daily Nation photojournalist Laban Walloga was beaten up by police officers while covering protests in Mombasa.
Walloga was clobbered as he attempted to cover protests triggered by controversial Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) regulations which business people say have negatively impacted on the coastal city’s economy.
