• The calls typically come in when Cathrine is in Nakuru for medical checkups, which perplexes her, she says.

Nakuru-based Kameme TV/FM reporter Cathrine Wanjeri Kariuki reported threats issued via her mobile to the Nakuru Central Police Station on September 2, 2024. The threats came from unidentified individuals posing as police officers.

The reporter says that she has been receiving numerous calls from strangers, one of whom wants to help her track down the police who shot her three times on July 16, 2024, while she was covering the GEN-Z riots in Nakuru.

“Since the police officer who shot me is still on the loose, I feel frightened wherever I go. The person who called me told me not to share his number with anyone, now I have reported I don’t know what will happen next,” she said.

The calls typically come in when Catherine is in Nakuru for medical checkups, which perplexes her, she says. Aside from that, she says that each time she visits Nakuru, unusual cars are always outside her house and follow her when she goes to the hospital.

She feels that these are intimidation tactics in order to scare her to drop the shooting case, that she is pursuing with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority. She fears that if the faceless callers don’t find her, they might harm her family.

Speaking at Nakuru police station, where he accompanied Cathrine to report, Mr Joseph Openda, the chairman of the Nakuru Journalists Association, said that several journalists in Nakuru have been receiving calls from unknown people about the same. He, however, called upon whoever was behind the calls to submit any information to the IPOA to help in the investigation.

Mr Joseph Openda the Chairman of the Nakuru Journalists association (NJA) in solidarity with Cathrine Wanjeri as she reported an intimidation case at Nakuru central police. (Photo/Courtesy: Daniel Kipchumba)

“I call upon the investigating agencies involved the police, IPOA, and Office of the Director of the Public Prosecution to hasten the investigation process to serve justice to Wanjeri.” he said.

The OB number under which Wanjeris case was recorded at Nakuru Central Police station. (Photo/Courtesy: Daniel Kipchumba)

The IPOA says it is still waiting for information from the Director of Criminal Investigation to proceed.