Shock as Magoha’s bodyguard sexually harasses journalists
Two journalists have accused the man in a purple shirt (front), who is Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha's bodyguard, of sexually assaulting them.
What you need to know:
- The same officer, whose face has been captured by some of the journalists, is said to have harassed another journalist in Vihiga.
Media staff want Inspector-General Hillary Mutyambai and Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to take action against Education counterpart George Magoha’s bodyguard who sexually harassed and threatened two journalists in Kisumu on Thursday.
Photojournalists Ondari Ogega (Nation Media Group) and Viola Kosome (People Daily) were assaulted as they covered Prof Magoha who was inspecting desks delivered to Kosawo Primary School.
While struggling to get the best shots of the CS with the pupils, Mr Ogega accidentally bumped into the said officer whose identity is not known.
"However, as he made his way out of the classroom, the CS’s bodyguard followed him (Mr Ogega) and reached for his fly before squeezing his genitals and threatening to do more outside the classroom," said Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) chairman Rushdie Oudia.
Rogue officer
While in the same classroom, Mr Oudia said, the bodyguard also grabbed Ms Kosome’s backside and pushed her to give way for the CS.
The same officer, whose face has been captured by some of the journalists, is said to have harassed another journalist in Vihiga by inserting his fingers into the reporter’s mouth.
Mr Oudia condemned the attacks, which he said had not only instilled fear among the journalists, but also amounted to sexual assault and suppression of freedom of the press.
"As journalists in this region, we take this incident with great exception, especially with the utter irresponsibility and daring face the officer went on with his harassment in broad daylight and in the presence of the CS," he said.
"KJN takes this opportunity to draw the attention of the CS Magoha, Inspector-General of Police Mr Hillary Mutyambai and the Minister for Interior Dr Fred Matiangí to take action against the said rogue officer.”
