(NDIMA/IFEX) – On Sunday 8 October 2000, a Nation TV crew was attacked by unknown individuals in Nairobi. Cameraman Eric Okoth and reporter Sarah Kimani had just finished covering a prayer meeting by the Mungiki sect when they were attacked as they were leaving. Okoth was beaten by the attackers, who also stole his wrist […]
(NDIMA/IFEX) – On Sunday 8 October 2000, a Nation TV crew was attacked by unknown individuals in Nairobi.
Cameraman Eric Okoth and reporter Sarah Kimani had just finished covering a prayer meeting by the Mungiki sect when they were attacked as they were leaving. Okoth was beaten by the attackers, who also stole his wrist watch, wallet and a video camera. The crew had filmed running battles between the police and members of the Huruma sect and Mathare slums.
The fracas started when the Mungiki members stoned a church congregation, accusing the worshippers of sabotaging their meeting. The two groups were competing for a venue to conduct their assemblies, with the Mungiki group seeking to hold prayers and the Bethany Church group a crusade. The police, who came to separate the groups, were overpowered by the crowd, which had swelled to several hundred people. The rival groups fought for hours, with battles spilling over to Huruma and Mathare.
