On February 8, 2024, three journalists — Musembi Nzengu of the Star Newspaper, Ida Ngile of Mumo TV, and Mercy Mueni of Mbaitu FM Radio — were assaulted and arrested while reporting on the induction of a new principal at Mutonguni Boys High School in Kitui County. The appointment of this principal was contested by a faction of the students’ parents. During the incident, Nzengu was reportedly brutalized by a police officer, resulting in injuries. Subsequently, all three journalists were taken to the police station and detained before being released without charges.
IPI Africa Media Freedom TrackerArrest/detentionArrest/detention/chargesPhysical attack on journalists, media infrastructure/officesVerbal, online or physical attack